Native Americans in South Dakota (Rapid City, Pine Ridge: sale, appliances, credit)

[melaniemmcbee]

Originally Posted by Farouche

Hi, Jammie. I knew you'd respond. Yes, some native Americans prefer to be called Indians, and some do not, I was told.
As far as "happy and content," it seems that when reservations in South Dakota can boast of an average life expectancy of age 52, and have amazingly high rates of alcoholism, suicide, violence, child death rates, and in some places resemble a Third World country, we're talking about neglect. I know things are improving, but there's a long, long way to go. Am I totally wrong here?
I'm sorry, Jammie, I really didn't mean to bash your state, but I just want to know if anyone is noticing what I'm seeing. If I'm wrong, that's just great.
Anyone else care to comment?
Are there any Indians that think I'm full of ****?
Please let me know.

I am a full blooded Lakota Native. As far as being called an "Indian" I personally don't like it, because it implies that I am from India, which of course is not the case. However, many people relate better to the word Indian, and it's actually quicker to say that. Some of us get extremely offended when called an Indian, but I guess it doesn't bother me too much, for most, it's a habit. As far as an improvement out there, I haven't seen any, at least not in or around Pine Ridge. I was gone for eight years, and when I returned briefly, I saw no change. It has gotten worse. And neglect is correct. You wouldn't believe the things that I saw when living out there. I myself am adopted (thank GOD) and my biological mother was also. Throughout the years, she would come around and ask if my parents could watch her kids for a few hours, and she would still be gone three months later on a drunk. I ended up watching 6 children at the age of 16 because she wanted to go and drink. Just recently in my brief visit, I saw my nieces with bugs in their hair, a diaper that probalby hadn't been changed in at least a day or more, no clothes, and hungry. Houses filled with cockroaches, no food, no furniture the list just gets longer. I myself don't really believe that my rez. will be able to boast of anything positive anytime soon. They seem too busy being victims of the government, unproductive, lazy, drunk, narrow minded, and feeling sorry for themselves. Now, I am not saying that all Natives are that way, of course not. However, EVERY Native I know out there is that way. I speak truth.

[melaniemmcbee]

Originally Posted by Jammie

Hi Farouche, I don't think that any of the "white people" in this state have any problems with the Indians. (They prefer to be called "Indians" now since anyone born here is a "native American".)I know several of them and they seem quite happy and content. I'm not sure what you mean about how our state government treats them so I can't really respond to that. Several Indians have left the reservations and integrated into towns and got jobs and are living lives just like everyone else. They fit right in and are welcomed. Some of them prefer to stay on the reservation and receive their government check and other amenities. I guess it's just their personal preference. Have a great day!

I am a full blooded Oglala Lakota from Pine Ridge Res. I do not agree with you when you say that any of the white people there have any problems with Natives. Do you know every single white person there and their opinions?? I think not. I lived there for a short time, and I was called a "**** prairie ******" and just another "low down dirty indian". And I know several members of my family that do not like to be called Indian. We are not from India. And of course by saying Native American, we mean in the beginning Native. White people are not Native to America, and no matter how hard they try, will never really truly be Native to this land. I mean no offense, but that is the truth. I am not welcome in my own town, because I am Native. There will always be racism, and your state is not the exception. I went into stores there, and they thought I was going to steal something, but a white person walked right in, and was greeted with a smile, and a hello. I was not. You cannot speak for a whole state. I can't speak but for myself, and the Natives that are in my circle out there, and they do not prefer to be called Indian.

[melaniemmcbee]

Originally Posted by tigergal

The state of South Dakota (actually no other state either) has no obligation to or standing to intervene in affairs of Native Americans on reservations. This is a matter handled only by the US federal government through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribes represented on these reservations are sovereign nations and consequently, they can not be intruded upon by state governments. While these reservations share geography with the states in which they are housed, the government of the state has neither responsibility nor the privilege of involvement in Native American affairs.

I'm a full blooded Oglala Lakota, and for the most part, no the goverment, nor anyone else has a right to interfere, however I think they should, simply because of the children. I recently visited my family there, and my nieces were running around with no shoes, no clothes, hungry, hadn't had a diaper change in a day or more. NO food in the house, cockroaches, no bed to sleep in NOTHING. I think for the innocent babies there, and JUST for that reason that the government should step in. Otherwise, they can just rot out there as far as I'm concerned. I have tried to help my family there, I have brought my brother out here to live, he had a job, a car, and he just proceeded to make an ass of himself, and drink constantly. Those poor children don't deserve to live that way, that's why the government should do something. I mean people that let their kids live that way anywhere else they get their kids taken. And believe me, the BIA won't do anything for the kids. They pretend, but in personal experience they don't. I took care of kids that were being dumped off on me, so that the parents could drink, and I know for a fact that the little girl was being sexually molested. I called the tribe, and you know what they told me?? That it really wasn't my business, and I had to prove it. When I asked if I could bring her in, so I could do just that, they told me to take her to the hospital. I did that, and somehow the hospital lost the report. The little girl told me, I saw her when I gave her a bath. It was her dad. Nothing ever happened. They just can't seem to govern themselves well. I honestly believe that half of the kids out there need to be taken by the government, and placed in a safe environment. I'm Native I love my culture, I even still love my family there, but I cannot condone so much abuse and neglect of children.

[melaniemmcbee]

Originally Posted by Jammie

Tigergal, you really are informed. Actually, I'd even forgotten that they were a soveriegn nation. I'm so glad you responded.

Farouche, I'm not sure what kind of things you're hearing in your direction. If you could see things first hand, it may give you a better understanding of things. Some people don't want to break certain cycles and no matter what help is offered, their lives remain the same. Some people have grown up without the guidance that they need to care for themselves and be self supporting and better themselves. I know that sounds uncaring, but it's the simple truth.

Anyway, I hope you decide that So. Dak is for you and that you have a wonderful life here. If you decide on moving, let us know where you ended up and how you like it.

I'm an Oglala Lakota woman from Pine Ridge originally, and you are sooooo right about the cycle. You are not being uncaring, and it doesn't sound that way, and it is the truth. Thank you

[Jammie]

Hi Melanie, the info I got about being called "Indian" was from an article written by Tim Giago. The people who are Native Americans that I know seemed to feel the same way that he felt. It was referring to the fact that anyone born in America was actually Native American. But you're right. I definitely can't speak for all of them. I also can't speak for everyone in saying that there is no racism here. I'm not racist toward native Americans because I've known several of them since I was a child and have always liked them and consider them my friends. Since I'm white, I've never been in the situation that you're speaking of encountering and I'm sorry that you or anyone else has to go through that. Just know that the people who treated you that way were ignorant and unaccepting and the people I hang around with would never act that way. It's just inexcusable.

[sdgoldpanner]

Hi Friends,
Not actually a full fledged member of this bulletin board yet, but have certainly been a “lurker” for some time now. If I may, I would like to contribute to this ongoing discussion.
To begin with, I am white, as Jammie is, and proud of it. I am 62 yoa, so not really a spring chicken in the sense of the word, but in the same breath, our Native Americans (at least the ones I correspond with) and am very good friends with many of them, they are proud of their heritage also, and rightfully so. In the last 40 years, I have had much contact with my Native American Brothers. Some good, some bad, but more good than bad. You see, I retired from the Sioux Falls Police Department, and I can tell you first hand that yes, Sioux Falls as well as Rapid City, are in my opinion, racist communities, to an extent. I do believe that Rapid City is more racist than Sioux Falls. But what can be done about it? I have tried to do my part to correct this ongoing problem. It has been really tough over the years. So tough at times I want to just pull my hair out, but that would not accomplish anything would it. On one side, there are those that work hand in hand trying to do the right thing. On the other hand, there are always those that think individuals like myself are “do-gooders”. I resent that because one of our duties, on this earth, is to help those not so fortunate, both Whites and Native Americans alike. There are those who just refuse or do not understand that! Some would rather bury theirselves in their bottle, again, both Whites and Native Americans. And yes, that action only eats at the heart of the problem. Alcoholism is a great factor in the lives of many many in this world. At times it is hard to see the good that does come from trying to fight todays problems, but never the less, we can not stop trying. I am a believer in Prayer, Sure it seems like Prayer takes a long time to accomplish anything, but I believe that problems and answers will only come, not in Our Time, but His! So I am compelled to continue with my Prayers. Like Jammie mentioned earlier, there are ignorant and unaccepting people on both sides, and their reasoning is inexcusable. Melanie mentions the stress that is being absorbed by the children. That alone is a great shame. Tigergal mentioned the Federal Gov and its obligation. But they need to raise their standards also. I agree with Melanie in the fact that the government does indeed abandons people, but she hits the nail on the head in the fact that many people have abandoned themselves and all that which they should hold sacred.I now reside in Rapid City, and it is a fairly decent community. It is near the beauty of the Black Hills, (my reason for moving here), but still we do have racism to a degree. One of my best and most trusted friends, and partner, became a statistic a few years ago. Some of you may know him. It was Loren Two Bulls. May He Rest In Peace. When we lost Loren, we lost a great man and a great artist. The follow up investigation by the RCPD, after his death, showed me just how racist this community is, at least in the Upper Escelon. But I have no choice but to continue to do what I feel is necessary to help bring the two people together, and I go to my grave trying. Gee, I guess it is time to get off of the soap box. I apologize for taking up so much of your time, but I just had to speak my piece. Good luck to all of you, and I do think Rapid is a good place to live, we all just need to work a little harder. Peace!

[Siletz]

These have been some of the best post on this site. I was born and raised on the Siletz Indian Reservation in Oregon( http://ctsi.nsn.us ). I remember when our people spent most of their time drinking and fighting and forgot about their traditions. We received 1.4 million acres for our reservation, but over time it was reduced to ten acres. In 1992 my tribe built a casino and started to generate its own revenue. Over the past 14 years we’ve built homes for our elders and sent a couple hundred to college.
I remember seeing a lot of my people lost in life, but now have direction. Anyone who wants a job can get one with the tribe. Everyone has medical and dental paid for and $15,000 for a down payment on a house. We still have some that can only find happiness in a bottle, but at least they have a chance.
The change started when we had the money to invest into the tribe, invest in our people. In May I visited Pine Ridge, and my heart was filled with sadness for the people. Someone can only learn so much about a town in one day, but it seemed like a town that was lost and without hope. I hope someday someone will invest in the people of Pine Ridge and they find their way back.

[Jammie]

Selitz, I'm so glad for what you did for yourselves in Oregon. A lot of the Sioux have done the same for themselves here. There are a few reservations that have casinos and it has been so beneficial to so many of the Sioux. One of the bad problems with that is like with everything else. There have been a few people who were greedy and instead of sharing with the tribe, they've pocketed a lot of the profits. But it appears that they were caught, prosecuted, and hopefully things will get better. I guess all of our cultures have a few of the greedy ones.

[66.stng]

Originally Posted by Jammie

Selitz, I'm so glad for what you did for yourselves in Oregon. A lot of the Sioux have done the same for themselves here. There are a few reservations that have casinos and it has been so beneficial to so many of the Sioux. One of the bad problems with that is like with everything else. There have been a few people who were greedy and instead of sharing with the tribe, they've pocketed a lot of the profits. But it appears that they were caught, prosecuted, and hopefully things will get better. I guess all of our cultures have a few of the greedy ones.

Maybe SD should have done like California and leave the Casino's just for the native americans. We don't have legal gambling here unless it's on the reservations. It works out well for the state, gives the NA's the financial help they need, they share the money with the other less fortunate reservations and it keeps the gambling money in the state rather than having people go to Vegas or Reno. Plus, they give back to the community and everyone is happy. Some of them have large shopping areas, concerts and other things...I think it's a great thing, and whenever anything about improving the casinos or allowing them to add more slots comes up for voting at election time, I always vote in favor.

Plus, I know this sounds really awful, but after the hundreds of years they've been picked on, it's nice to see them take money from the "white man". =D
Sorry, my apologies if that offends anyone....But it's like a little bit of retribution, and exploiting the opressor.

[leserz]

if you think the south dakota indians need more help. take your medical skills and help them along with anyone else thats in need it i'm not trying to be a smart ass.