Wo’takuye Oyate “The Kinship Center”

Wo’takuye Oyate “The Kinship Center,” a grassroots initiative in Aberdeen, is poised to become a cultural hub, fostering mutual support and connection. At its core, the Center’s mission to build a strong kinship network through mutual support, grassroots collaboration, and cultural engagement. The Center offers a holistic approach, offering a diversion program for Native youth at risk of entering the juvenile justice system, while serving as a gathering place for the whole community—a space where generations come together, cultural practices are shared, and a sense of belonging is restored. Currently, the plan is to open its doors in November 2024.

Origin of Project

This project has received initial funding from the South Dakota Council for Juvenile Services. Diversion Specialist Kelsi Vinger of the Brown County State’s Attorney’s office began community outreach in 2023 and partnered with Lara Nelson of the NSU Circle Program. Together, they began developing the Family Council Initiative and Leháŋl Wičhíčhaǧapi. At this time, the community expressed a desire for a holistic strategy that incorporates family and community systems prior to launching the program. Thus, Lauren Nikolas of Wo’takuye Oyate was invited into the partnership due her work in developing a community cultural center for the Aberdeen area.

Programs and Circles of Support

The Kinship Center’s framework is built on several key programs that promote cultural engagement and support:

Wo’takuye Oyate “The Kinship Center”

• Maske Circle (Female Friends) and Kola Circle (Male Friends): These circles create spaces for Native women and men to come together, share experiences through cultural activities, arts circles, events, and support one another.
• Youth Leadership Circle: Open to students in grades 7-12, this group offers guidance for personal growth and acts as a continuing care program for graduates of the juvenile diversion initiative, ensuring ongoing mentorship and resources.
• Helper Circle: Designed for non-Native allies, this circle encourages cross-cultural learning and provides a safe space for those wanting to decolonize their practices and foster relationships between Native and non-Native communities.

All circles are led by intergenerational community members, emphasizing grassroots participation and cultural ownership.

Leháŋl Wičhíčhaǧapi “The Prospering Ones: This area focuses on cultural significance and promoting “connectedness” among grades 7-12 Native American students, families, and communities. The emphasis on adult mentoring, a supportive environment, and belonging to a positive peer group will enhance students’ commitment to personal growth. This initiative embodies the cyclical nature of learning and support within Indigenous communities, where high school students mentor younger peers, and college students mentor high schoolers.

Family Council Initiative: A juvenile diversion alternative to court involvement that will utilize peacemaking circles and Indigenous cultural approaches, rather than punishment. It is a peer-structured organization involving Native American elders and other community leaders.

Vinger, Nelson, and Nikolas discussed the Kinship center in their new space at the start of renovations.

Power of Community

Central to the Kinship Center’s philosophy is the healing power of community. Nikolas highlighted the importance of having a space where Native individuals can explore their identities without feeling like exceptions. The Center aims to address cultural disconnection, which often leads to internalized shame and isolation for Native individuals in predominantly non-Native communities. Vinger goes on to point out The Family Council Initiative would be able to form a Council from many of these same community members to assess diversion plans that are unique to each participant. It could include language learning, traditional dances, drumming, and other activities that help them connect to their community and find their sense of identity.

The Kinship Center’s programs are intergenerational, involving youth, elders, and parents, as well as non-Native community members. Nikolas noted that this is the first space in the area designed to foster such deep cultural connection, which is vital to creating a healthy, interconnected community system. Traditional arts circles, for example, will bring together multiple generations to share knowledge about beading, cooking traditional meals, and other cultural practices. Red Road recovery meetings will offer support for people of all ages, further emphasizing the Center’s intergenerational approach.

Vision for the Future

Looking further ahead, the Center hopes to acquire land where cultural practices, such as sweat lodges and traditional ceremonies, can take place.

“It’s time to build our resources up and there are people who have the desire to be that person.  They want to learn and to grow in their identity,” Nelson emphasized, highlighting the healing power of culture. The aim is to bring the community together, harnessing the talent of Native individuals who currently feel isolated. Currently, the program is generously housed in the lower level of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 1410 North Kline Street.

A Space for Everyone

While the Kinship Center is rooted in Indigenous values and practices, it is open to everyone in Aberdeen. The Helper Circle invites non-Native individuals to learn about Indigenous culture and support the Center’s work. As Nikolas put it, “They’re relatives too, and this is about building bridges, not walls.” The Center aims to foster cross-cultural relationships, creating a safe space for everyone in the community.

Conclusion

The Kinship Center is more than just a community space; it is a movement dedicated to healing cultural wounds and fostering kinship through connection, support, and revitalization of Indigenous culture. As its doors prepare to open, it promises to be a place where the whole community can come together, grow, and belong. To volunteer, partner, ask questions, or get involved, contact kinshipoyate@gmail.com or call 605-824-4029. //