Sunka Wakan Ah-ku

'Bringing Back the Horses'

RESTORING THE MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH OF OUR YOUTH

The Beginning

In 2007, a group of community members got together to identify the needs of area youth and juvenile delinquents involved with Tribal Court. The focus of the group was on Equine Therapy, which proved to be successful in dealing with delinquency reduction and prevention. The therapeutic benefits were evident, the group decided that Equine Therapy was just what this community needed.

In harmony with our horses and our land the Sioux were the "Masters of the Plains". Spirit Lake youth advocates, landowners and ranchers have teamed up to bring this natural wellness and leadership back to our youth today. So in October 2007, Shunka Wakan Ah-ku was started with a small state grant awarded to the Spirit Lake Juvenile Court. 

What We Do

In 12 sessions, adolescents work with our four legged relatives, the horses, along with mentors to create a comfortable environment in which they will learn to:

• Become responsible and confident

• Communicate respectively

• Control their emotions effectively

• Become a leader

Program Goals

• To offer tools for Juvenile Offenders to reduce delinquency, and the likelihood of repeat offenses

• To offer emotional support , to encourage character development

• To utilize the caring and nurturing for the horse and the bonds formed as a means for establishing trust and responsibility

Since the program began, there have been over 60 participants who have showed improvements in areas concerning confidence and behavior. Numerous community members have turned out to volunteer their time and resources to ensure the success of this program.

For more information contact:

Darla Thiele

Spirit Lake Juvenile Court

P.O. Box 543

Fort Totten, ND 58335

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