Oyate Prevention Coalition

The Oyate Prevention Coalition is committed to creating and supporting a community where youth and young adults are valued and welcomed in an environment that encourages them to be drug-free and healthy. Our goals include:

• Reducing youth substance use

• Providing education and awareness about the consequences of alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamine use for youth and their caregivers

• Reducing youth access to alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamine

• Increasing/expanding life skills for youth

• Providing healthy alternatives to substance use for youth

• Increasing community collaboration


Our Mission

The mission of the Oyate Prevention Coalition is to prevent and reduce the prevalence of substance use and abuse by providing life skills and education that allow American Indian youth, young adults, and their families in the Rapid City area to lead healthy and productive lives.

The Oyate Prevention Coalition is a non-profit group whose members come from all walks of life and are committed to promoting a drug-free environment for youth and young adults in the Rapid City area. We were established in 2010 as a grassroots coalition of parents, schools, law enforcement officials, agencies, businesses, churches, and citizens to address the increase in adolescent substance abuse.

How You Can Help

• Be a living day-to-day example. Be a mentor and role model for ALL youth.
• Know how to spot signs of substance use.
• Educate yourself about the risk factors that increase the likelihood of young people making risky decisions.
• Learn! The more informed you are, the more prepared you can be to stop substance use among our youth.

Achievements

• Launched annual Native Americans’ Day Celebration event at Main Street Square in 2015.
• Sponsored Life Skills classes for Native American adolescents in several locations in the Rapid City area.
• Hosted engaging meetings and created opportunities for community members to network.
• Created media campaigns to draw awareness to the dangers of alcohol, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

Get Involved

Help us create a healthier, safer environment for our youth! If you’re interested in joining our monthly coalition meeting, contact us at (605) 342-4789. Our meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is provided.