Lakota Rose Madison's death on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in South Dakota has inspired youth to pledge to remain free of drugs and alcohol.

Lakota Rose, 17, was struggling to stay sober when she died after a drinking party in June 2001. Her cousin pleaded guilty to beating and drowning her and is currently serving nine years in prison.

Despite the tragic circumstances, Lakota Rose has become a symbol for Native youth on the reservation. They are wearing bracelets and promising to be drug-, alcohol- and gang-free for one year. The bracelets are then passed on to another person.

Friends of Lakota Rose have also started a foundation in her name. The group is fulfilling her dream to start a safehouse for Native youth.

Get the Story:
Teenager's death helps steer youths toward sobriety (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/23)
Riverside party ends in drowning (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/23)
Quicktime Movie: Lakota Rose Documentary (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/23)
Lakota's Legacy (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/23)

Relevant Links:
Lakota Rose Initiative - http://www.whitebison.org/magazine/2004/volume5/vol5no5.html