Phone: (605) 355 - 2271

A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN NATIVE FITNESS

Vision Statement:

    Okiciyapi Wellness Center staff provide a cultural awareness and traditional well-being through a multidisciplinary model using a holistic approach of community and self-enhancement promoting the journey to wellness.

  The humble beginnings of the Okiciyapi (Lakota Sioux for “helping one another“) Wellness Center began with a grassroots movement to prevent diabetes.  This peoples' project was able to use our tradition and values designed after the medicine wheel concept to address the growing problems of diabetes.  During this time emotional support was added in the form of groups and sweats.   In 1997, through the use of grants, the center was able to purchase exercise equipment and hire fitness technicians. In the spring of 1999 a Wellness Technician was hired to provide case management.  Now that these vital components are in place we can better serve the community.

  All individuals, who are eligible for Indian Health Services or Sioux San Employees and their families, may use the center during its regular business hours.  However, before using the center you must have a fitness appraisal and machine orientation. Each initial visit last approximately 1 hour long. These two assessments are vital to ensure your safety while at the facility.