The Mitakuye Foundation - formerly the Mitakupi Foundation - was created to support and empower Native Youth! The Mitakuye Foundation was created to support & empower Native Youth THE MISSION OF THE MITAKUYE FOUNDATION IS TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER NATIVE YOUTH AND ADDRESS THE ONGOING TEEN SUICIDE EPIDEMIC ON PINE RIDGE AND NEIGHBORING INDIAN RESERVATIONS IN SOUTH DAKOTA. THROUGH ARTS EDUCATION AND MENTORING, THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES LIFE-AFFIRMING PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS TO EXPERIENCE THE HEALING POWER OF ART. MOST KIDS ON PINE RIDGE LIVE IN INTENSE POVERTY AND DEAL WITH THE RAVAGING INTER- GENERATIONAL TRAUMA OF PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL GENOCIDE ON A DAILY BASIS. ART HEALS. AND FOR MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO LIVE IN SUCH DISTRESSING CONDITIONS, ART CAN HELP TO LIFT ONE UP OUT OF THE DAILY TASK OF SURVIVAL.