Moving near Pine Ridge in hopes of volunteering.

[trishr]

I am very new here and I have no idea if I'm using this right. Anyway, I just wanted to add, for the past week or so I've been on a mission to find the poorest people in America. This because I have relatives who think they are poor and I wanted to show them they were not. I also would love to sponsor a child myself. It's so hard to pick out a place or to trust websites when they are so far away. That's how I got here. "Google" led me to this forum.

I found a website called "One Spirit" and one of you even mentioned it. It's funny because I am from Alabama too. I just learned today, after googling "Baptist Church Indian Reservations", that led me to a pastor and his wife's website. On this website, they told of the poorest people in America. I had never heard of "The Black Belt in Alabama". It is the poorest in Alabama. I think the difference is, it isn't an Indian Reservation. So our goverment is taking some actions to help these people more. But in looking at other places, I found places here in my own state that is very poor.

I still want to find someone to sponsor in Buffalo, South Dakota, on the Indian Reservation because it is even poorer than Alabama. Our state is helping what is known as the Black Belt here. But I have decided to slow my search down until I learn more about all of this.

So to Misty, it's ok how you feel. We all have that in us.

[N8ivGoddess]

I am Native American, but not Lakota. I have read about Pine Ridge. One website that horrified me is the Arrogance Is Ignorance website. I cannot believe people live this way in the richest country, supposedly, in the world. Our government should truly be ashamed of themselves, but of course, they are not. They could really care less. All the money they owe this particular tribe and not one cent paid. Instead, they choose to spend it on Screw Worm Research, which has been eradicated from this country years ago. They cry they have no money, yet can afford to give billions to illegal immigrants for welfare, food stamps and medical. It makes me sick. To line your own pockets at the expense of another human being is disgusting and vile. And yet this is what the government has been doing since the early settlers first came here. IF we had only known they would steal our lands, rob us blind, rape our women, kill and kidnap our children and force them to "assimilate", I'm sure we never would have helped them in the first place. I am, quite frankly, disgusted at white societys' form of government that condones killing for greed.

[growurown]

Originally Posted by hi ppl

The area is desolate end result, poverty, no jobs, drug addiction, alcoholism, etc.
The government didn’t just create any old reservation, like everything they strategically placed them in areas that can not flourish. This is where their families are and have grown up so this is where they stay and for many really don’t care to leave.
It’s going to take a miracle to repair the damage and despair the government created.
Yes, the people can go out get a job in a big city and college education but how easy is it for anyone to uproot and leave their families for money. Money is nothing and causes nothing but trouble in this country and across the world. So one stays, appreciates what little they do have, loves and laughs with family while they are still here.
Yes the people need help but my question is the same, how does one repair what this country wanted so desperately. One can move across the country or one can walk next door, reservations are everywhere just look for the area that has nothing, a place were people would never think of moving.
Indian people normally do not value material items but the company and respect of others. One may appear to be poor and sometimes life become unbearable with the everyday hardships to survive but they are rich in determination, love, and respect. Like everyone and more than most they need money to heat their homes, put food in the childrens tummies, make the water flow. Yes, Indians live in homes like everyone, they can not longer live off the land and hunt being man has destroyed all of that too.

How does one repair what this country wanted so desperately? Do you mean Universal Truths, Harmony, Unity, Trust, Autonomy?
Left to your own resources a developing, Respected Nation, trading if you decided with your neighbor nation/world spotlight... Its over a 100 years of repression, a Century of Dishonor...You tell me... Why are some thriving and the Lakota is stricken? I remember reading in the 1980's that the Paiutes gave a hefty amount of money to the University of Washington to examine their country and advise them on how to enterprise. I only remember lumber but a plan was made and they were successful. Is there a dot com. I need to visit to find out if Lakota people and lands were evaluated for success of the people? Do you think that you Survived is the greatest of all miracles, that the Planetary Alignment of the 70's desperate and despicable as it was... still... saved Tradition before soul was killed too. "It was the best of times and the worst of times"...Do you think the Creator will align those planets again and this time without prejudice and despair, murder and mayhem turn the wheel just a little bit more in the Indians' favor...Remember, You are not killed, you have each other...you love and help each other. Some of us Aquarians beleive that the U.S. must correct itself in the land of the Black Hills, correct soon too so maybe the Seminoles can help correct the weather pattern in Fla, a constant bowling alley of storm and U.S. federal disasters...Harming our internal gauge keeper,our Indigenous, our Great Allies, our Earth Keepers, our Spirit Wrestlers, harming the Originals has done nothing to endear us to Our Creator,improve our World Status, Internal Conscience, Collaborative Conscience... Your right,... Money won't correct the 100 years of disrespect, disenfranchisement and dispossession maybe it's gonna be One Small Person a Light from Alabama, waltzing in.... guided only by a Vision to do Right. Let Right be done, Native, Let Right be done.

[casperwy33]

If you move their they will take advantage of your kindness and walk all over you. Do yourself a favor dont go!!! fix problems elsewhere i grew up in rapid city and traveled around pine ridge from time to time i got the feeling they dont want us"Whites" help with their homeland.

[Polycarp of John]

Originally Posted by Living4Him

Also, I want to add - it is not a very great idea to send things here. As mentioned before, gifts are not appreciated. They are taken and ruined hours later. It is not a good idea to send money - as the money rarely ever gets to the children...people pocket it for themselves and spend it on frivolous things.

Baby clothes and diapers are an exception! Anything for babies! I would recommend sending gifts to one of the MANY local churches and allowing them to distribute them - as they have a better idea of who needs the gift the most.

Food is not the greatest idea - every church in the area hands out food boxes (mostly from the local food bank) and I believe it does more harm then good sometimes. Since many people out here get a monthly check, they will spend their check on worthless things (alcohol, drugs, that brand new television!) instead of buying their children food (KNOWING that they can walk down to the local church and grab a food box whenever)! (This is not all the people, but it is a majority mentality)

The only thing that will change the lives of these people is prayer! and a miracle! Giving and giving to them is only going to feed the problem!

It really isn't fair to offer people free food and then criticize them for taking it. It also isn't fair to give them a gift and then criticize how they choose to use it. If you're going to give, give with no strings attached.

If someone gave me free food, I'd be very stupid not to accept it. It would save me a lot of money. I could save that money for something I wanted, like a tv set or some decent clothes or a microwave oven or get my car fixed or catch up on some bills. It would be stupid to spend money on more food for the children when there is adequate food in the food boxes. Native Americans are not stupid. Neither are most other people.

The reason for giving free food to people is to protect their health and to enable them to spend their money for other things. It isn't fair to give them free food and then criticize them for using their money to buy other things that they cannot get for free. We need to be glad that the free food frees up people's money that they can then use to improve their quality of life. That's what the free food is for.

Volunteers who have come from other areas onto the reservation can start to develop prairie fever after about one year. It's similar to cabin fever people get in Alaska in winter. It's a serious problem. It's due to isolation, both geographic and social. There's an element of burn out in it. It might create deterioration in one's Christian hospitality and compassion and understanding and joy in serving one's neighbor.

Being able to give someone free food is a great privilege!

[rjl78]

Originally Posted by casperwy33

If you move their they will take advantage of your kindness and walk all over you. Do yourself a favor dont go!!! fix problems elsewhere i grew up in rapid city and traveled around pine ridge from time to time i got the feeling they dont want us"Whites" help with their homeland.

I never had that trouble on my ventures down there. Usually I was in a great big fire truck or resuce truck.

[tdlgcc]

What church does you and your husband pastor

Originally Posted by Living4Him

First of all, I want to say that I understand what you mean by "Calling." My Husband and I are Pastor's in Oglala - (Small town 10 minutes north of Pine Ridge). He has lived on the Reservation for almost 8 years now; I just moved up about a year and a half ago (When we got married).

You are very wise to ask questions before moving up here. I can tell you that there are very few jobs out here....even with a degree it is hard to find a job in the area. Most of the jobs in the area are 'Native Preference' (Native applicants are hired before any other) and the jobs that aren't usually go to family members of employees. It is very difficult to find work when you don't know anyone.

I'm not sure what church you come from, but there is a Catholic School (Red Cloud Indian School) in the area. Chances are you won't get a staff position (they very rarely hire anyone), but you may get hired on as a government employee with the Americore program. This job does not pay well, does not offer any health insurance and is only a 2 year program (and they will work you like a slave!), but it is one of your options (and maybe your only option out here - it has been my only option so far).

You may also try to commute from one of the local towns. There are about 5 towns within 45 minutes. Alot of people commute at least 45 minutes for work.

As for the living situation....there is a very slim chance you will be able to purchase any kind of land or any house near Pine Ridge. Many in the tribe are
still without homes and many extended families cram together in a two roomed house. I know of a family living in a 2 bedroom house with 20 family members. You may find a house / apartment in a near by town in Nebraska or South Dakota (Haysprings NE, Gordon NE, Hot Springs SD, Rushville NE, Chadron NE) Be careful when applying for jobs or looking for homes in these towns. They are what we call "border towns" and they are very racist!

I hope I have answered your questions and that I have not discouraged you too much. Remember - a calling is rarely ever easy, but, if it's a true calling, God will provide for your every need! Even on the Pine Ridge Reservation There is nothing too difficult for Him

[tdlgcc]

What church does you and your husband pastor. My wife and I are pastor's in North Carolina. When you get time I need some information about the reservation. Also do you know of a pastor by the name of Charity Hill?