Biography

Arlana Bettelyoun is the Executive Director of Oglala Lakota Children's Justice Center located in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with an emphasis in social services and counselling and an AA Degree in Tribal Law-Oglala Lakota College. Her previous work experience includes working with abused children as a Juvenile Officer with in the Oglala Sioux Tribal Court System, Case Management and Investigations, South Dakota Department of Child Protection, as well as serving 18 years as Director of Oglala Lakota Children's Justice Center.

Arlana has given national presentations regarding preparing Children for Court, Children’s Code, and has been recognized for National awards for Child Advocacy in Indian Country. Arlana recently completed a National Training for Forensic Interviewing of Children. The training also attracted international attendees from Iceland and Japan.

Arlana has been involved in the community work on the Pine Ridge Reservation as the Mandatory Arrest Law was worked on(1988 and then passed in the early 90's. (Tiwahe Gluonihanpi) This work was done with Elder women and young women and then advocating throughout the Pine Ridge Reservation as it was passed into law. 

2001 through 2007, Arlana was instrumental in co-leading the Oglala Sioux Tribe's Wakanyeja na Tiwahe Woope (Child and Family Code) which was a historic document passed into law by the Oglala Sioux Tribe in May 2007. When a challenge rose with Domestic Violence (Arlana being the victim) she embraced change and went through intensive out-patient work and a spiritual journey that helped her to overcome being a victim. "It has been my experience to not only just survive but to LIVE!"