Wakanyeja Wokiciyaka Board of Directors

JaymaLee Turning Heart

Lauren Gayton

Wakanyeja Wokiciyaka is honored and proud to introduce the dedicated members of our newly established Board of Directors. This esteemed group of individuals brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and deep community commitment that will be vital in steering our organization toward unprecedented growth and lasting impact. The collective wisdom of this Board will ensure that Wakanyeja Wokiciyaka not only continues but flourishes in its essential mission to bring hope, renewal, a sense of pride, and a compassionate outlook on life to the communities we serve.

The Board of Directors is entrusted with the strategic oversight and fiduciary responsibilities necessary to fulfill our organization's vision. Their leadership will be pivotal in shaping our long-term goals, ensuring accountability, and strengthening our organizational capacity. We are confident that their guidance will enhance our ability to execute our program effectively, forge stronger community partnerships, and secure the necessary resources to expand our reach.

We are honored to formally welcome the following distinguished leaders, who represent diverse tribal nations and professional backgrounds, ensuring a comprehensive and deeply informed approach to our governance:

  • JaymaLee Turning Heart | Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

  • Ailine Maea | Oglala Sioux Tribe

  • Lauren Gayton | Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

  • Winona Powless | Oneida Nation

Each member’s unique perspective and commitment to cultural integrity will be an invaluable asset. Together, they represent a powerful commitment to advancing the well-being and future of the next generation (wakanyeja).

Wakanyeja Wokiciyaka looks forward to working hand-in-hand with our Board of Directors to uphold our values and create sustainable, positive change.

Ailine Maea

Winona Powless

Purpose of Wakanyeja Wokiciyaka

We dedicate this work to the Native American youth of the South Dakota reservations currently served within the foster care system. The core mission of the Wakanyeja Wokiciyaka Corporation is the cultural revitalization of Lakota teachings and their integration into the daily experiences of these children. This includes instruction in essential traditional practices, such as sustainable living through gardening (growing native fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants), traditional hide processing (buffalo skinning and tanning), ceremonial practices (tipi setup and preparing for inipi sweat lodge ceremonies), resource management (firewood collection), traditional food procurement (fishing and meat preparation for winter storage), and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, we will prioritize the continuation of traditional arts, including crafting winter calendars, drum making, sewing ribbon skirts and powwow regalia, beading moccasins and formal regalia, and creating star quilts. A fundamental goal is the preservation and continued use of the Lakota language among our youth, ensuring its vitality for future generations.

Contact us

Pilamiyapo (Thank you) for your interest in Wakanyeja Wokiciyaka. For further inquiries or to learn more about our initiatives, please contact us using the phone numbers or email addresses provided below. We sincerely appreciate your support.