For those of you who have been following us for a while, you maybe remember our Health Coaching Program. Woyute ki Pejuta Waste Heca (“Food as Good Medicine”) is a nutrition and wellness coaching program that seeks to help community members overcome their health challenges and live a healthier lifestyle.

It’s gone through a few iterations over the years, and we had to take a pause with it for a bit while we reset the program in a way that will work best for our community.

But we’re so excited to announce that it’s back and better than ever!

3 Journeys Health & Wellness
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This revamped program is now a 9-month long journey that builds up mind, body, and spirit. Divided into three-month segments, participants walk through three different “journeys”: stability, skill-building, and integration.

We know that wellness is more than just eating healthy or exercising or getting good sleep. Those are all critical components, but they don’t tell the whole story.

3 Journeys Health & Wellness helps participants with all the complex dynamics that contribute to wellness – knowing who you are, building routines that stick, stress & healthy coping mechanisms, living in community & connection, being spiritually fulfilled, and so much more.

This year’s cohort is designed to be a mix of both individual work and group work. Everyone sets their own goals. And our Health Coaching Program Manager provides 1x1 support. But, as Lakota, we know that we are all related. Health and wellness are intricately intertwined with our family and community.

That’s why we also have group classes and activities. Whether it’s a workout session at the gym or a cooking class or a sweat or a group hike, finding support and community with others walking a similar path helps our Oyate become healthier and stronger.

And the journey doesn’t just happen during the classes. Each participant receives a home gym kit, a FitBit, monthly food boxes, and a workbook that are theirs to keep, even after they graduate from the program. Our hope is that these nine months will set a strong foundation of healthy habits, and will guide them along a good path for their rest of their lives.

We are in Month 4 (“Strengthening the Mind”) for the cohort but we’re already seeing real results! Four of the participants have lost a combined weight of 30 pounds, and a few are getting updated wardrobes as a result! Don’t just take it at our word – read it for yourself from the participants themselves!

✨Participant 1: “I was a severe alcoholic for 5 years ... Being in the program has helped me better my mindset.... And started pushing myself to be active again. Since starting the program I lost nearly 43lbs. .......It has been helping with my grief and keeping me sober and again bettering my mindset.... I am very grateful for the 3 Journeys Program and the support from coach James. I look forward to losing as much as I can by graduation.”

✨Participant 2: “This program has helped me create structure and consistency in my life. The workouts and coaching have pushed me to show up for myself, stay accountable, and build healthier habits that I can carry with me beyond the program.”

✨Participant 3: “Coach James -- When I started, I knew I needed an extra push not just physically, but mentally. Your coaching, encouragement, one-on-one guidance, flexible workouts, and advice on better eating have helped me build confidence and completely change the way I see myself. Between work, school, and being a parent, my schedule can be crazy, but you’ve always found ways to help me fit fitness into my life instead of making me feel like I had to choose between my responsibilities and taking care of myself. That has made such a difference......I’ve now lost 21 pounds. The number on the scale is only part of what I’ve gained. I’ve gained confidence, discipline, strength, and a better relationship with myself. You’ve reminded us that we are capable of more than we think, even when we’re beginners or just starting out.”

Meet the Team! 🌱

We’re excited to introduce James Gilberston as the Health Coaching Program Manager! He supports the 3 Journeys Health & Wellness Program and leading accessible, community‑focused fitness sessions for youth, adults, and families. His coaching style is steady, grounded, and built around helping people gain confidence, consistency, and long‑term wellness. Before joining SHI, James served as a Deputy Sheriff for Mellette County, working in public safety, crisis response, and community support. Prior to that, he spent five years as a Correctional Officer with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Corrections, where he maintained safety, structure, and rehabilitation support within a secure facility.

James is a U.S. Army veteran, serving seven years of active duty as a Sergeant, including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His military background in leadership, discipline, and team operations continues to shape his approach to coaching and community work.

Give the Gift of Opportunity🏆

Our wak̇aŋyeja (children) deserve a chance to play!

At Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i, we believe education goes beyond the classroom. Our students deserve opportunities to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and grow through athletics. Last year, our students participated in cross country, boys basketball, cheerleading for the basketball team, and track!🏀

This year, we hope to expand opportunities even further with girls basketball and additional Indigenous sports like lacrosse, shinny stick, and archery. The challenge? We need resources to make it happen! Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i is not a public or state-funded school. We rely on grants and donations to make everything happen.

Our students are ready. Our staff are ready. With your support, we can help give every child a chance to play.

Make a tax-deductible donation to the school before the sports season starts without us!👟

Learn more here!