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IN MEMORY OF IYONNE GARREAU |
 Running Strong is sad to mourn the passing of Iyonne Garreau, a member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation, who devoted her life to helping her people.
For 35 years she was the Director of the Cheyenne River Elderly Nutrition Center and everyday worked hard to make the elders feel special with hot and delicious meals and festive activities throughout the year.
Iyonne’s strong heart, leadership and dedication steadfastly led the nutrition project, even in difficult times.
In 2008, Iyonne recalled a fire that destroyed the nutrition center in 1995, saying, “You just go on. We did not shut down for even a day. We began cooking food for the elders out of our own houses.”
It took nearly two years to rebuild the nutrition center and today the nutrition project continues to serve hot meals to an average 570 Lakota elders daily throughout the Cheynne River Reservation.
“This place honors people. We don’t simply serve meals—we provide meals in recognition and respect of our elders. We appreciate all your support over the years,” Iyonne said with a smile.
In 2007, the Cheyenne River Youth Project® dedicated their 2.5 acre children’s garden to Iyonne, in recognition of her many gifts and service to the community.
 The garden was named Winyan Toka Win, meaning "Leading Lady" in the Lakota language, in her honor.
Iyonne had a special place in her heart for Cheyenne River’s children. The garden started at the nutrition center, but Iyonne’s dream was to give the garden to the children and in a few short years, she was able to share the garden with the Cheyenne River Youth Project®.
Today, the Winyan Toka Win garden uses a traditional planting method called “Three Sisters Planting” (corn, beans, squash) in the layout. The children love to help dig the holes, place the corn, beans, or squash seeds into the dirt, and give them their first drink of water.
Iyonne Garreau passed on, surronded by family, in April 2009. Iyonne’s legacy will live on with each harvest and her many gifts will never be forgotten.
Running Strong honors Iyonne for 35 years of service to her community. We thank you, Iyonne, for your many gifts. |
