The executive director of the Cheyenne River Youth Project, Julie Garreau of Eagle Butte, has been named winner of the 2009 Spirit of Dakota Award.

The award was presented at weekend ceremonies in Huron. Garreau was chosen from a field of 10 candidates.

Garreau has received many honors for her work and support of Native American children. In 2005 she was invited to Washington to speak before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee about positive youth initiatives and youth suicide prevention on the reservation.

The Spirit of Dakota Award goes to a South Dakota woman who has demonstrated vision, courage and strength in character and has made a significant contribution to the quality of life in her community and state.