Janay Jumping Eagle, the founder of the anti-suicide movement There is Hope, has now turned her efforts towards raising money for a community wide Chirstmas party. Courtesy Photo
Little Wound student continues work in community
By Brandon Ecoffey
LCT editor KYLE— Janay Jumping Eagle gained notoriety when she chose to combat the epidemic of youth suicide on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation head on by spreading a message of hope. Now, she is attempting to raise money for a community wide Christmas party so as many Lakota children as possible can have a merry holiday. “I love Christmas. Christmas is a time for family to come together and share the love with one another. I love opening presents, the Christmas meal, and just being with my family. Unfortunately, there are kids all over the world who don't get presents, a Christmas dinner, or just simply don't have Christmas. I want to try and change that in my community,” said Jumping Eagle. “I am asking for donations to purchase as many toys for little boys and girls as I can get. Other donations needed are Turkeys and all the fixings. If possible, we want to have a Christmas concert for who ever wants to participate. And a prize bingo for the adults,” she added. The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where Janay is from plays host to one of the top-five poorest counties in the United States and a place where unemployment rates have been estimated to be as high as 85%.
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When Janay was just a freshman in high school she chose to dedicate her season to combating suicide and instilling hope in other Lakota youth. During that season she wrote on a basketball “There is hope”. That simple message caught fire on social media and helped Jumping Eagle bring national awareness to the issue of suicide on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The ball that Janay wrote on has now been signed and returned to her by the President and First Lady. Janay is the daughter of Echo Lebeau and Ryan Jumping Eagle who have been supportive of their daughters efforts and overwhelmed by the outpouring of recognition that their daughter has received while she has engaged some of the most pressing issues youth face on the reservation. According to the gofundme.com page that Janay has established organizers of the party are looking for donations including children’s gifts, food for a community dinner, financial support, and community volunteers who may be able to assist in any way possible. The #Thereishope Christmas Part is currently scheduled for December 23, 2015, at the Little Wound School. If you would like to donate to the party please visit www.gofundme.com/gv75dyxs. (Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com) Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter.
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