Native Americans in South Dakota (Pierre, Pine Ridge: low income, new house, schools)

[pejuta]

a note here about se7en kingstah's posts..the first time i didnt read all way thru but went back because of other comments and read completely. i think perhaps...correct me if i am wrong... but is this person using gangsta rap style? this sort of talk can be found wherever there are those who like that style. times,cultures,etc. change. people change. we have to learn not to be so judgemental. not only sioux/rez people have problems. i had a time in my life where things went bad for me..nothing i did. i lived in a trailer for several years with no utilities on another familys property. i took lessons from a homeless man on how to dumpster dive. i kept trying until i succeeded in getting out of my situation. i didnt take to drugs or alcohol or other such. i believed in myself and our creator. now im on ssi and soc. sec. checks. i still dumpster dive. i am friends with the friendless. ive paid a price,but someone has to care about and encourage those considered beneath the "elite". never,ever give up. also ive been thru abuse too, and was nearly killed. i made it thru. you can too. most of my troubles were in florida.

[movinonup]

Originally Posted by Farouche

Hey, Jammie,
Thanks so much for responding again to my message. I do understand that there are two sides to each story (and sometimes three, or four or five...) , but when I read that the youth suicide rate at the Pine Ridge Indian reservation is four times the national average, that 97% of residents live below the poverty line and that many houses at Pine Ridge still don't have electricity, indoor plumbing or telephones, I have to wonder whether I am living in the same country. Here in Massachusetts, I am a single mother of an eleven-year-old whose father has essentially abandoned him, and, although I grew up in a fairly affluent family, I have been surviving for some time well below the poverty level. I am a High Honors student with an Associates Degree, and am trying to further my education. Here in Massachusetts, where we have some resources for the poor, it has still been really hard. But as hard as it is here, reading about what's happening on the reservation makes my life look like a piece of cake. I just wonder how these families can make it, given what I'm reading and hearing.
Are these statistics still valid, and does anyone have any feedback on these problems? I've heard about the work the Plains Youth Interaction group has been doing, and it sounds fantastic. Again, I've never been to South Dakota and I don't pretend to have the answers. Just looking for feedback like the kind you've kindly given me, Jammie.
As far as politics, I know South Dakota is a red state, and that's OK with me as long as people there don't consider me to be some kind of alien life-form because my views in some respects might be considered "liberal." (Some of my views would be considered pretty conservative for Massachusetts as well.) Massachusetts is as blue as they come, but we have a Republican governor. Most states seem to balance the red and blue out pretty well, I think.
And as for religion, I would say I'm pretty spiritual, even though I don't practice a religion. As long as people don't proselytize, as you said they don't, a person's religion doesn't really concern me too much.
Again, Jammie, thanks for your interest. I've seen that you've been very helpful to many others on this forum. Take care and have a good night.

I feel like you are short-changing the Indians. There are no locks to keep them in or out of reservations. I don't understand why people speak as if Indians are private pets kept in a zoo. They are Americans, just as you (?) and I. Yes, I am a native American--2nd generation Irish/Lithuanian. Indians can move to the mountains, move to the city, go to school, raise a family etc. etc. You don't have to be an Indian to be raised in poverty. Or black or Mexican. With as many casinos in the United States now, I can't understand how any Indian family should be living below the poverty line. We have tons of casinos here in Oregon, but I have yet to see one Indian working in one. The Indians have been set up to be their own government. In Oregon, they can hunt or fish as much as they want and whenever they want. There is no "out of season" for them.

So far as being a "red" state . . .well in my neighborhood that simply means that we believe in self-determination and taking responsibility for ones own life, as opposed to government handouts paid for by those who are determined to succeed despite having their wallets picked clean by an ever growing government determined to be everyone's sugar daddy---except of course those who believe in self-deter . . . . .

[movinonup]

Originally Posted by melaniemmcbee

My name is Melanie McBee (YellowBird-BlueBird) Your statement about the government abandoning my people is somewhat correct, however it cannot be overlooked that a large percentage of the Lakota people have abandoned themselves, eachother, and our sacred beliefs and practices. How can anyone believe in a people that continue to commit a slow suicide? I have had to watch so many of my family members drink themselves into death. My father is currently suffering from chirrosis (sp) of the liver because he has drank for so many years, day after day. While there are many Natives that are doing well, off of the reservation, statistically most are living to drink. Or probably better put dying to drink. I have to watch people that I love just waste away, knowing that they are so much better. I recently brought my brother out from the reservation, got him a job, gave him a car, and he proceeded to drink every day anyway. I tried to show him a better life, and he took a wonderful opportunity, and he ruined it. He would rather be back out on the reservation drinking, and making an idiot of himself. I am from the Pine Ridge Reservation, I am proud of who I am, but I can't hardly stand to go out to see my family, because they are constantly drunk. I don't now how to help, but to let my voice be heard. They have abandoned a beautiful, rich culture. They have abandoned themselves. They have abandoned eachother. How can anyone help, when they won't even try to help themselves??

You are helping. By helping your brother. Just because he isn't responding now, doesn't mean he won't respond ever. Find the young ones who still have a spark. With your love and perseverence, you can make a difference in SOMEONE'S life. And then they will do the same and the wonderful things about the Lakota people will be preserved. Press on!

[Jammie]

Pejuta, you have to be one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of corresponding with. Sorry your life was rough, but you've got so much spirit and it shows in your writings.

Movin, we have several casinos here, too and they are mainly staffed by the Sioux. One of the problems they've had is that the big guys would steal the money and a lot of the families wouldn't get what was owed to them of the casino earnings. But you're definitely right about it being better to just leave the Rez and make a life for yourself somewhere else.

[pejuta]

generally something that seems so diff in style,spelling,etc is considered a dialect. i have a strong southern accent and a strong southern dialect and living in different parts of country, i sometimes have difficulty making myself understood. various areas have diff. dialects and i, as well as others, can slip right into a different dialect,as a general rule. people often speak the dialect of those they associate with most. not always true,but one shouldn't put down a style of speaking and writing. language is always changing,adapting to various new ideas,tech. etc. language is how people connect with one another. well, i don't mean to write a book, but i hope you understand what i am saying.

[_redbird_]

Originally Posted by movinonup

With as many casinos in the United States now, I can't understand how any Indian family should be living below the poverty line. We have tons of casinos here in Oregon, but I have yet to see one Indian working in one. The Indians have been set up to be their own government. In Oregon, they can hunt or fish as much as they want and whenever they want. There is no "out of season" for them.

So far as being a "red" state . . .well in my neighborhood that simply means that we believe in self-determination and taking responsibility for ones own life, as opposed to government handouts paid for by those who are determined to succeed despite having their wallets picked clean by an ever growing government determined to be everyone's sugar daddy---except of course those who believe in self-deter . . . . .

Thank you Movinonup for posting your questions. The casino revenues have to pay back the investors before going to any tribal programs. Example Harrahs puts up the money to build the casino in KS. Casinos are not cash cows you think they are. At least not in the beginning.

We have the Seminole tribe here in OK and one staff member stated the tribe did not see one penny from the entire year's revenues. It takes awhile for the funds to make an impact. Some states have had casinos long enough where the tribal people are receiving benefits. Like in Conn. or down around San Diego there are stories of tribal people getting 20K/month. (I don't know how true those stories are.)

And generally they are Indian preference in their hiring practices. Its not complicated. Maybe if you spoke to some of the Indian people themselves, you would understand how any indian family can be living below the poverty line.

As for your tone in "we believe in self-determination and taking responsibilty...". Well, puff-puff! You are making broad sweeping generalizations. It was stated on CNN (cant remember when/what show), the race with highest welfare rate in the US is the white race, not blacks or mexicans or Indian.

And your reference to govt handouts is aimed at what you percieve to be Indians getting something for free? There are no government handouts. What programs there are in place are a result of treaties between two sovereign nations.

Hope this clarifies a little, and most likely raises more questions.

As for the hip hop grammar of the OP, its very common for the young'uns to talk, dress, and act in a manner which makes adults raise their eyebrows, cringe, and even laugh. Its called being young and dumb, remember those days?

[Jammie]

OH yea, I remember those days and don't think I actually ever grew out of them. We wore mini skirts and belle bottoms and had long, straight hair and listened to rock n roll music. Remember how upset the older generation was when they saw the Beatlesor would make us turn our transistors down? They said the bands were so shaggy looking. Now if you go back and watch old clips of them, they are so neat in their suits and vests and short hair. I just don't ever remember having a different way of speaking. About the only thing I remember about speech is "cool" and I still catch myself saying it.

[tsg]

Hi. I'm new to this forum, only came accross it today. I am Australian and have been travellilng to SD each summer for the last 2 years . This last summer I was over for 6 months. In my own country I have been subjected to racism, mostly in rural areas, and always due to the colour of my skin. [I have Mediteranean heritage.] Unfortunately I have to say that in the time I spent in Rapid City I noticed alot of racism. In fact most people thought I was Lakota - until I spoke! - and I can honestly say I witnessed racism first hand. In fact I fell victim to racism from both Native and Non-Native alike. BUT that is not to say that ALL people I met were racist. Alot weren't. And those that weren't more than made up for those that were.

I spent time in Pine Ridge. I am appalled at the living conditions, the way people treat each other and themselves, but mostly I was disheartened by the lack of pride the people living on the res have for their culture. The youth predominately idolise the gangster rap scene and my main wish is that they could find some sense of self identity through their tribe, through pride in the Lakota Culture.

I have been fortunate enough to have witnessed and taken part in Lakota ceremony and 'every day life', and know that it has survived. Unfortuantely though it appears that the youth either don't want to learn about it or those that do are few and far between. They would prefer to belong to a culture other than their own and that is where I think alot of the social problems are becoming entrenched.

I haven't lived for extended periods on the rez [and quite frankly the way things are there I don't want to] but my time going back and forth has left and indelible imprint on my mind, one I can't shake. I would desperately love to do something to be of help but have noted that help from a non-native is often looked upon badly. I would love to see a Cultural Centre on the rez instead of casinos; something to encourage pride and educate.

Oh and by the way, I heard alot of 'Rez Talk' in Pine Ridge and although it didn't sound exactly how se7en wrote it, it sounded REAL simliar to these aussie ears and I would have smiled at the remembrance if the story hadn't been so sad.

And Se7en? That last part of your poem:
" With all this happening it's left me a reason to strive to be one of thee best/ To change for a better man is my only vision quest/ Our ways and culture tradition is what so many of us youth lack/ Its like our ancient ways are gone forever and we can never bring them back/ Im so tired of trying to get myself back on but most my homies are falling off track/ A bum wit no fututre I can't let myself end up like that. It's time for a young Native leader to step up and help bring our culture back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
YOUR ANCIENT WAYS AREN'T LOST FOREVER.! 'A YOUNG NATIVE LEADER.....'I REALLY HOPE THAT THIS HAPPENS AND SOON. KNOW ANY CANDITATES?

[_redbird_]

All is not lost. What most outsiders see is the tip of the iceberg. I get lots of teasing and such from my coworkers about Indian and whiskey.
I am constantly telling people I work with that unfortunately when one is riding through some rez town, one only sees the Indians who are downtrodden and defeated.
I do not use alcohol, neither one of my parents use alcohol, and both sets of my grandparents never used alcohol.

But you folks don't see us!

And not all Indians are living off freebie programs etc. I worked my way through college mopping floors! No tribal grants except the first semester. And I am full blood! That is my wish. To be poor and proud of what I have earned. I studied cultural anthropology in college, but my greatest teacher remains in my tribal homeland. There wisdom prevails in the heart of the elders. No statistics on income or unemployment can register what we still value.

The process of acculturation and enculturation is constant like the ebb and flow of the tides at the seashore. And there are just as many young ones learning the language and the traditional ways of respect, our ancient ways and beautiful songs and language. You just have to remember not to judge the whole based on observations of a few.

During college I went to a conference where many tribal elders from different tribes came to discuss NAGPRA *that is returning our skeletal remains from museums back to the Indian people. And all the old Indian men and women were dressed poor on the outside. But to hear them speak made all the PhD's in the world seem like children.

[tsg]

Oh i wasn't, for the slightest moment meaning that ALL on the rez live that lifestyle. I was responding to the other posts I read on that topic. Sorry if it has come accross that way.

There ARE people who are living contrarily to that situation, but by and large what i have been hearing and reading is the lack of knowledge and understanding from people who have not been to a reservation who are unaware that an issue does exist and those that do who judge ALL native americans for it. But the fact still remains that their is an issue and the only way I can see clear of it is for hope to return to the youth.

Its great that you have been fortunate enough to move forward and achieve what you have achieved. For you to KNOW their is hope. My comments about the lack of pride in the culture were directed at the posts where the youth were admitting to not having hope and feeling that THEIR lives were going to be over at 17. To encourage that their is hope. Perhaps for them to lead by example and hope that it catches on. Obviously life is what you make of it. But if you can see no hope and no change then what do you have? I want the people who, because of their situation, can not see hope, to know that there is. And the people who are unaware of the social issues and who make uninformed comments and racial stereotypes to understand that any community is made up of a whole lot of individuals and not any 2 are alike. That judgements are easy to find. Understanding is a little harder for some.

when one is riding through some rez town, one only sees the Indians who are downtrodden and defeated. I do not use alcohol, neither one of my parents use alcohol, and both sets of my grandparents never used alcohol.

But you folks don't see us!

I see you! If I didn't I wouldn't be encouraging hope! I only know the culture still exists and is strong because of 'you' and because of my associations with those following traditional paths and their encouragement for me to be a part of it in my small way. Of course their are people in touch with the culture, if not I wouldn't have been taking part in ceremony.

The Cultural Center? Other than the obvious I see it as a physical symbol of hope. For those on the rez that currently don't think there is anywhere but down for their lives to go, to actually see a place where people are practicing their culture and that others ARE interested and value the richness of that culture, perhaps they then will WANT to be a part of it and will then hold hope for their future and the future of their family.

And all the old Indian men and women were dressed poor on the outside. But to hear them speak made all the PhD's in the world seem like children.

I find that too!