CRST breaks ground on substance abuse treatment center in Eagle Butte

EAGLE BUTTE – On August 28th, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe facilitated “A Day to Celebrate Our Healing and Survival” by holding a dedication ceremony to break ground on the new CRST Substance Abuse Treatment Center – Wo’Wacin Au, “Brings Healing”. The project involves the construction of a new social detoxification and substance abuse treatment center to serve the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The facility is to be located on a greenfield site in Eagle Butte about a quarter of a mile due south of the Cheyenne River Health Center. It is designed to accommodate 32 residents sleeping units along with shared spaces for treatment, counseling, and social interaction. The building also includes a central kitchen and dining areas, nurse work areas, and administrative staff office.

The facility is approximately 18,700 square feet. It will be delivered through a hybrid construction approach, combining field-built components with large-scale modular units out of Madison. It is expected to be completed by October 1, 2026.

The MC was Dana Dupris. Mr. Dupris informed all dignitaries, officials, guests, and the public who had come to participate in this ceremony that the Wakiyan Maza Drum Group would be singing the opening song. Following the honoring song, Mr. Dupris, who is longtime recognized medicine man in his own right, deferred the Opening Prayer to commence the festivities to the Honorable Arvol Looking Horse, who had accompanied Chairman Ryman LeBeau to the dedication ceremony. After Chief Looking Horse’s blessing, Chairman LeBeau welcome all participants.

In Chairman LeBeau’s remarks, he expressed how the tribe had saved up its money over several years to not only build the facility but to make sure it is successful. He went on to say that since 2008, it has been a goal of the tribe to create this facility to help members since the reservation is deep in the heart of Sioux Nation. Treatment for patients from the reservation has been to refer them to off-reservation programs. For many, this is just too far to go. He also explained that not only will the facility be built but so will outpatient housing, to ensure there is a continuum of services once clients are released from the treatment center.

Acting Tribal Health Director Molly Longbrake spoke next. She explained the time and effort that went into the development of this project. Ms. Longbrake emphasized why the facility was needed and why it was hard for those in need to leave their family behind when they sought help. Also, how invaluable their families were in the successful recovery of patients. She went on to say that the center would not only be incorporating traditional values but as many other alternative methods to heal and treat patients. Councilman Thad Rose, Chair of the Health Committee was up next. He further explained how this facility became a reality by working with the Treasurer, Council, and different committees.

Mr. Dupris then introduced the tribe’s special guest, Mark Cruz. Mr. Cruz is the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary Robert F. Kenney Jr. Further, Mr. Cruz is a member of the Klamath Tribes in Oregon. He has extensive experience in tribal and federal policy. He served prior at the U.S. Department of the Interior as the Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development. Before this he was the Chief of Staff to Representative Todd Rokita (R-Indiana). But he began his career as a teacher at the St. Francis Indian School on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.

Mr. Cruz addressed the crowd by telling them how he appreciated working for all Indian people and how he acquired the position. He also relayed greetings from the Secretary of Health and Human Services and thanked everyone present for their hard work and inviting him to be part of the proceedings.

Following the speeches and closing remarks by Chairman LeBeau, all attending dignitaries participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking by turning a shovel of dirt to commence the construction of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Substance Abuse Treatment Center.

The post CRST breaks ground on substance abuse treatment center in Eagle Butte first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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