RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Rapid City nonprofit dedicated to Lakota-based healing and recovery has been awarded a $10,000 grant to expand its cultural approach to addiction treatment.

Oaye Luta Okolakiciye (OLO) received the South Dakota Fund grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) to support its Ceremony Assisted Treatment program. The organization focuses on alcohol and substance abuse prevention and intervention by reconnecting participants with Lakota identity and traditional values.

“We are grateful for this grant award to continue our unique cultural approach to ceremony assisted addiction treatment,” said Gene Tyon, executive director of OLO. “This funding will assist with creating a course workbook and ceremony materials, enhance awareness and assist our relatives-clients to recognize and understand history, inter-generational and current behavior.”

Based in Rapid City, OLO provides services for youth, adults and families. The grant-funded program centers on spiritual practices including Inipi ceremonies, talking circles and guidance from cultural mentors. These traditional methods are designed to address spiritual and relational aspects of recovery that standard clinical models may not cover.

The South Dakota Community Foundation selects grant recipients based on their ability to impact culture, health and human services across the state.

“OLO’s work bridges several of these areas and has the potential to transform lives, families and communities,” said Ginger Niemann, senior program officer at SDCF. “That’s why we are eager to support it.”

The SDCF South Dakota Fund supports various initiatives throughout the state. Starting in 2026, the fund plans to expand its focus to include child wellbeing, housing and workforce development in addition to its existing support for economic development and education.