Native Americans in South Dakota (Pine Ridge: new home, living in, costs)

[Farouche]

I have read many threads on this and other sites, and finally was driven to register, as I have a question that compels me. I, too, am searching for a new place for myself and my young son, far away from the expenses and hassles of life in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I have quickly found out that, much as I would like there to be, there is no perfect place. (Or perfect job, perfect parent, child, mate, etc.) But I would like to land as close to "perfect" for me as is possible. That would be a place with wide, open spaces, natural beauty, interesting, friendly people, good economic climate, low housing costs (the median housing cost on the Cape is the mid 300's!) and low cost-of-living. I will be working in the healthcare field. I have been very attracted to Texas, and have visited there the last three summers, but I have to admit, I'm really not religious, not a Republican, and don't think much of Bush. So, aside from Austin (my son's name), I don't know if after awhile the "friendliness" of the natives would grow a little thin.
I've never been to South Dakota, but everything I've seen looks amazing. I've also heard a lot of wonderful things, but one thing bothers me immensely. I'm a great believer in diversity, tolerance, and social justice, and it seems the Native Americans in your state have been abandoned by your state government. I find myself wondering if I could live in such a state as this, where such neglect and inequality is tolerated.
Please, I mean no offense, but what do you South Dakotans have to say about this? It seems that you are proud of your Native American heritage, but South Dakota seems to be great for white Americans, and not so great for those who were here long before you. Please respond.

[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!

[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.

[Jammie]

Farouche, I was thinking about your post and came back to post a bit more on the subject. I don't think that the friendliness would wear off. On the contrary, I think you'd make a lot of good friends here. You do need to know that So. Dak. is a very religious state. We aren't the type who evangalize, but I believe something like 85% of South Dakotans are religious. The national average is something like 50%. We're also a very red state. I won't go so far as to say that everyone here likes Bush or the things that are happening, but it is a very Republican state. Enough said about politics on my part.

I'm just not sure about the Indian situation. My opinion is the ones who want help and want to come up in the world, have that opportunity. Years ago, we were friends with an Indian couple and she was on her way to becoming a lawyer. They have a low mortality rate mainly because of alcoholism, which as you know is treatable. Diabetes is also a big contributor of their deaths. It's often the type 2 diabetes which can be brought on by obesity. TB is something else that the Indian population has more of then the whites do. The government built new homes for them several years ago. They often sold their bathroom fixtures, sinks, air conditioners, etc. so they'd have extra money. I'm sure that the situation sounds awful to a lot of people who don't live here, but there is two sides to every story. Have a nice day.

[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.

[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.

[Farouche]

Hi, Tigergal,
Thanks for the input. You seem to be very well-informed. I knew about the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the sovereignty right, but I didn't know to what extent the state could be involved. An interesting situation. Looks like the federal government has not done a great job fulfilling its trust responsibility towards the Indian nations through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal agencies. Have a great day.

[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.

[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??

[Jammie]

Melanie, you put that post together so well and I'm a bit teary now. Thank you for posting that. I'm happy for you that you're making a good life for yourself. Sorry that your family can't get out of the cycle. But it appears that you have and that will mean a lot to your future descendants.