[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”BEARS 300dpi” background_image=”https:\/\/pineridgedocumentary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BEARS-300dpi-scaled.jpg” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”616px||9px||false|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_heading title=”The Bears” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_font_size=”59px” title_font=”Anton||||||||” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#424242″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_cta title=”\u201cIn the Lakota language, Bear or \u2018Mato\u2019, means good medicine\u2026 the BEAR Program brings that good medicine. It\u2019s the young people that are instilling hope.\u201d” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” header_font=”Anton||||||||” header_line_height=”1.3em” body_font_size=”18px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ background_color=”#424242″]<\/p>\n
– Yvonne \u201cTiny\u201d DeCory, BEAR Program Founder<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Bringing Hope and Joy To The Community” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_font_size=”23px” title_font=”|700|on||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”||0px|||”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-8px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”17px|||||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pineridgedocumentary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MICE-300dpi-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”MICE 300dpi” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”2px|||||”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”15px” custom_margin=”-8px|||||”]<\/p>\n
THE BEAR PROGRAM<\/strong> and the youth involved within the program<\/span>, stand as a pivotal focus in ‘The Bears on Pine Ridge’ documentary. This unique, youth-led performance group comprises a resilient cast of teenage suicide survivors, offering an uplifting narrative and a source of inspiration within the film. Through their vibrant performances in colorful mascot outfits at school assemblies, the ‘Bears’ significantly boost morale across the reservation.<\/p>\n Assuming the roles of animal mascots allows these young individuals, who may be battling depression and other mental health challenges, to adopt a character of confidence and engage with their community in a positive and constructive manner. The BEAR Program not only fosters self-esteem among these once vulnerable teenagers but also empowers them to support other young people facing similar struggles with suicidal thoughts. They symbolize endurance, joy, hope, humor, and encapsulate a narrative of growth and maturity<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pineridgedocumentary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tiny-on-Mic-Bear-Performance-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Tiny on Mic Bear Performance” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ custom_padding=”||58px|||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”2_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pineridgedocumentary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tiny-and-Eileen-Portrait-Face-on-2-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Tiny and Eileen Portrait Face on 2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”15px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ min_height=”192px” custom_margin=”23px|||||”]<\/p>\n \u201cTiny\u201d DeCory and Eileen Janis<\/strong><\/span>, lead suicide prevention specialists on the Pine Ridge Reservation, founded The BEAR Program as a vital initiative to unite and support vulnerable youth. Faced with a critical shortage of mental health resources, many young individuals grappling with suicidal ideation found themselves isolated, lacking community backing. Recognizing this dire need, Tiny and Eileen developed a program designed not just to foster personal support networks but also to imbue participants with a renewed sense of purpose. By engaging these youths in meaningful community tasks, The BEAR Program has been instrumental in transitioning participants from isolation to active community involvement, demonstrating the power of connection and purpose in healing.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”103px|||||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Breaking the Silence: Standing Up to Stigma” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_font_size=”29px” title_font=”|700|on||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”||0px|||”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”0px||18px|||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pineridgedocumentary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Screenshot-2024-03-22-at-1.32.09\u202fPM-topaz-scaled.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Screenshot 2024-03-22 at 1.32.09\u202fPM- topaz” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||7px|||”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font=”||on||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n (Above) “Tiny” DeCory leads a BEAR Program performance for a crowd of spectators during a TEDx Rapid City event. Photo Credit: TEDx Rapid City<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_cta title=”\u201cEvery child has a story to tell…the POWER is in their voice.\u201d” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” header_font=”Anton||||||||” header_line_height=”1.3em” body_font_size=”18px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ background_color=”#424242″ custom_padding=”||2px|||”]<\/p>\n – Yvonne \u201cTiny\u201d DeCory, BEAR Program Founder<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”15px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ min_height=”192px” custom_margin=”23px|||||”]<\/p>\n Beneath their costumes, The BEAR Program’s youth show their courage to speak up to effectuate change. \u00a0These brave<\/span> teenagers continue to face adversity, healing from years of struggling with mental health. Many owe their lives to Tiny and Eileen, who have intervened in moments of crisis. Together, they address bullying, peer pressure, and suicide awareness, forming a supportive “family” that understands each other’s struggles.<\/p>\n In a moving film scene, 15-year-old Tyrell shares his battle with suicide and bullying, shedding his mascot costume to deliver a candid speech that inspires open conversation. His transformation from a vulnerable child into a confident youth who seeks to help others is both powerful and uplifting.<\/p>\n The BEAR Program emphasizes the importance of speaking out and connecting with others, particularly for those silently enduring their pain. Tiny DeCory advocates for communication as a vital tool to prevent young people from slipping through the cracks, highlighting the program’s role in fostering resilience, empathy, and community support.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pineridgedocumentary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/TYRELL-300-dpi-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”TYRELL 300 dpi” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”32px|||||”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pineridgedocumentary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-24-at-11.33.06-AM.png” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Screen Shot 2021-02-24 at 11.33.06 AM” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”0px|||||”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”50px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Images” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_font_size=”29px” title_font=”|700|on||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”||0px|||”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dnxtmg_masonary _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” gallery_ids=”139,129,119,98,118,276,284,285,286,287,288,289,290,291,292,293,294,295,296,297,298,299,300″ dnxtmg_columns=”2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/dnxtmg_masonary][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" – Yvonne \u201cTiny\u201d DeCory, BEAR Program FounderTHE BEAR PROGRAM and the youth involved within the program, stand as a pivotal focus in ‘The Bears on Pine Ridge’ documentary. 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