Oglala Lakota Children's Justice Center

Our Wakanyeja Need a Voice. A safe, permanent home isn't something a child should only dream about. Oglala Lakota Childrens justice center (translates in lakota: Oglala Lakota Wakanyeja O'wajkya Tipi) was founded in 1997 to advocate for and protect the rights of Lakota children on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. On June 30th, 1999, OLCJC (Oglala Lakota children's justice center) became a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We, the Oglala of the Tintatunwan Band of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires), come from a nation of strong leaders who live a spiritual life and who protect and provide for their Tiyospaye (extended family) way of life, especially focusing on the proper upbringing and protection of our Wakanyeja (Sacred Chilren) and their Wiwahe (families). Through historical practices of discrimination, many of our children have been taken from their Tiwahe and Tiospaye to foster homes outside of our community, causing long-term grief among the Lakota people. Others of our Wakanyeja, trapped in homes where neglect and abuse take the place of love and guidance, need our help to find a safe place to grow up. The OLCJC is different from other child advocacy groups in the United States because we are committed to employing both contemporary and traditional Lakota practices and methods to protect and heal our Wakanyeja affected by neglect and abuse. This is the best way to teach our children how to stand strong. We welcome you to our website and hope that you will join us in protecting the Seventh Generation and those to come. Pilamiya Pelo (Thank you),

The Oglala Lakota Children's Justice Center team