RedCan 2024: The Transformational Power of Art, Community and Civic Engagement

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As longtime partners of the Cheyenne River Youth Project (CRYP), the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) was honored to have several team members attend the 10th annual RedCan Invitational Graffiti Jam – the only event of its kind anywhere in Indian Country. From July 10-13, 2024, artists from around the world came together in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to paint nine large-scale murals. In addition to beautifying the community, this event immerses Native youth in the transformational power of art and celebrates traditional Lakota culture. 

Hundreds of attendees joined together to witness remarkable art, created in real time by 14 renown graffiti artists – East (Colorado), CYFI (Minnesota), Dwayno (Arizona), 179 (Washington), Hoka (New Mexico), Lady Diva (Aotearoa/New Zealand), Phat1 (Aotearoa/New Zealand), TamiJoy (South Dakota), Yukue (Arizona), Rezmo (Arizona), Biafra (Minnesota), Wundr (Minnesota), Brady Scott (Midwest) and AMP (Kansas) – each with their own unique story to tell. 

ABOVE: Nine murals in various stages of completion throughout the Eagle Butte community

Other free activities over the course of the four-day event included: 

  • Daily performances and prayers led by Cheyenne River-based drumming group Wakinyan Maza; 
  • Volunteer-led youth programming, featuring guided art projects and field-day-style games;
  • Freestyle spray painting in CRYP’s Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park;
  • Traditional song and dance performances by local and guest artists alike; and
  • Community mealtimes and dedicated networking opportunities.

ABOVE: Native youth connect with their roots and envision their futures through traditional art with a modern twist

Furthering our ongoing commitment to the Democracy is Indigenous initiative, we spent dedicated time educating – and learning from – local youth about the importance of civic engagement. We developed a better understanding of how younger Native youth (ages 12-17) perceive civic action in their communities and beyond. This is a crucial demographic with which we seldom get to engage, making this a uniquely gratifying opportunity.  

“We’re truly grateful for our Cheyenne River Youth Project partners for welcoming us to this awe-inspiring event,” said Cheyenne Brady, Associate Director of Youth Programs. “Just as we watch artistic ideation go from a sketch on a page to a vibrant mural, so can we see civic engagement activity develop from an early idea to an impactful community action project. Native youth ingenuity knows no bounds.”

CNAY staff also worked alongside local youth to help them express themselves through traditional art, partnered with event staff to ensure fruitful outputs, and – most importantly – spent meaningful time in community alongside relatives and friends. 

Learn more about RedCan, this year’s artists and how you can contribute in the future by visiting the CYRP website: https://lakotayouth.org/redcan/