Serving the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
For More than 25 Years
Serving Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Protecting, Healing, and Helping Lakota Children to Live Safe and Stand Strong
OUR STAFF
Larry Swalley
Investigator/Case Manager
Larry Swalley was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and obtained his Bachelor of Arts at Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell SD with a major in
Communications. He later entered the Military and pursued vocational education as a Broadcast Engineer-Electrician for the United States Navy, and was Honorably Discharged (1987-1991). Upon returning to the reservation, he found employment with the Department of Public Safety and served as a Law Enforcement officer for Pine Ridge and Federally Certified in Artesia, NM (1997-2001). His experience includes Cultural Camp Coordinator, Director of Programs, Social Worker, Spiritual Advisor, Traditional Story Teller/Singer, Actor/Writer, and Law Enforcement Officer.
Over the past 10 years, Larry has been a Social Worker with the Child Protection Service Agency for Pine Ridge. He currently serves as our Investigator/Case Manager (formerly Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program) where he represents the holistic and best interest of children, who have been physically and sexually abused, within the Judicial System. He has been providing Cultural Orientation for children and families amongst his people by utilizing the Creation Story of the Lakota.
As a Story Teller/Singer and Presenter, Larry combines the best in oral tradition as handed down for centuries by the Buffalo Calf People (Great Sioux Nation), with contemporary social dilemma and structure. This orientation establishes the root of Indigenous origin, thought, and philosophy as a manifestation of the role, responsibility, and purpose for the woman and man in any era or social construct.
Arlana Bettelyoun
Executive Director
Arlana Bettelyoun is the Executive Director of Oglala Lakota Children's Justice Center located in Pine Ridge South Dakota. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with an emphasis in social services and counselling and an AA Degree in Tribal Law-Oglala Lakota College. Her previous work experience includes working with abused children as a Juvenile Officer with in the Oglala Sioux Tribal Court System, Case Management and Investigations, South Dakota Department of Child Protection, as well as serving 18 years as Director of Oglala Lakota Children's Justice Center.
Arlana has given national presentations regarding preparing Children for Court, Children’s Code, and has been recognized for National awards for Child Advocacy in Indian Country.
Arlana recently completed a National Training for Forensic Interviewing of Children. The training also attracted international attendees from Iceland and Japan.
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Arlana has been involved in the community work on the Pine Ridge Reservation as the Mandatory Arrest Law was worked on(1988 and then passed in the early 90's.(Tiwahe Gluonihanpi) This work was done with Elder women and young women and then advocating throughout the Pine Ridge Reservation as it was passed into law.
2001 through 2007, Arlana was instrumental in co-leading the Oglala Sioux Tribe's Wakanyeja na Tiwahe Woope (Child and Family Code) which was a historic document passed into law by the Oglala Sioux Tribe in May 2007.
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When a challenge rose with Domestic Violence (Arlana being the victim) she embraced change and went through intensive out-patient work and a spiritual journey that helped her to overcome being a victim. "It has been my experience to not only just survive but to LIVE!"
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Arlana has received various awards that has led to enhanced
empowerment and leadership skills.
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Bonnie Heavy Runner Achievement Award
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Award from the OST President, John Yellow Bird - Steele
