Links are welcome, but please observe the copyright below and do not republish content from this site.

Pine Ridge Reservation Organizations

Oyate Teca Project

Oyate Teca Project is a non-profit organization, in operation since 1991, whose goal is to promote the well-being of children and families on Pine Ridge Reservation through effective programs and activities.

Oyate Teca Project is located in Kyle and also serves as the administrative office for four subprojects located in Allen, Porcupine, Manderson and Wanblee.

There are over 400 families enrolled in Oyate Project, with newborn to 18 year old children, and they are offered a wide variety of programs including:

Early Childhood Development Home/Center Based Program - This is an ongoing program that works with children and parents to promote learning and interactive skills through home visiting and monthly "make-and-take-crafts" sessions.
After School and Summer Programs - These have been developed for the youth to help sustain their future goals and include: After School Tutorial Club, Teen Mentoring Club, Arts & Crafts Club, Nature Club, Chef's Club, Recreational Club and Bookworm Club.
Lakota Culture Program - This summer program provides discovering-your-heritage activities as well as traditional arts and crafts, Lakota song and dance, storytelling, and preparing traditional foods activities.
Collaborations with local organizations and agencies - Provided for substance free activities and programs.
Life Skills "Jump Start" Program - This program focuses on leadership skills, life skills and job seeking skills for youth ages 9-18.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program - This program utilizes the "Baby Think It Over' program and incorporating the Empathy Belly to give the youth a realistic experience of being pregnant. The program has proven to be very effective.
Networking with subproject communities - Provides a safe environment for the youth to socialize concurrent with ongoing activities and to celebrate annual holiday festivities.
Youth Councils - Established in all of the subprojects for those 12-18 years old who are encouraged to implement activities and assist in fundraising efforts.

Your donations to Oyate Teca Project are tax-deductible. To make a monetary donation, please send a check or money order made out to "Oyate Teca Project" to the post office box below. If you would like to send material donations, here is a list of needed items.

Suggested donation items (send only new items for all of these please with the exception of clothing and movies which may be very gently used in like-new condition):

Arts and crafts supplies (click here for list)
Baby items
Backpacks, duffel bags, sports bags
Blank journals
Books (click here for list)
Christmas gifts for newborns through 18 yrs. old (unwrapped)
Christmas gift-wrapping supplies
Clothing and winter wear for newborns through 18 yrs. old
Hairbrushes, combs, hair accessories
Holiday decorations
Kids print pillowcases
Movies - DVD or VHS (can be used, G or PG rated only please)
Nonperishable foods
Paper products
School supplies (click here for list)
Shoes, flip-flops, sandals, slippers, winter boots
Socks, underwear, and sleepwear for newborns through 18 yrs. old
Sports equipment (baseball, basketball, badminton, volleyball, frisbees, balls)
Toiletries - shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene, dental, and hair products, etc.
Toys, puzzles, board games for all ages

FoPRR cannot verify delivery of your boxes. When shipping your donations via U.S. Mail, please purchase delivery confirmation, or use your shipping service's tracking system.

Do not use Styrofoam for packing materials. Large size trash bags serve well as padding and are reusable.

Remember, if you are sending anything liquid please double wrap it and seal well in a plastic bag.

Ship your donations to:

Via UPS/FedEx/DHL:

Carmelita Mesteth
Oyate Teca Project
Wakanyeja Okolakiciye Youth Center
1000 Youth Center Drive
Kyle, SD 57752

Via U.S. Mail:

Carmelita Mesteth
Oyate Teca Project
P.O. Box 316
Kyle, SD 57752