How do we solve the problems that plague Native Americans, on and off the reservation in South Dakota? (home, unemployment)

[msj.1_78]

Originally Posted by Jammie

OK, I'm missing something in your post and would like it clarified~are you a Veteran? That could change a lot of things.

Yes, I am a veteran/active duty soldier. The story behind it though is yet to be said.

[Jammie]

Oh duh, I see your location now.

[msj.1_78]

How would it change things?

[ElkHunter]

It would be part of the explanation of your Success.

You possibly found direction, leadership, purpose, and not from the others around you in childhood.

[msj.1_78]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

It would be part of the explanation of your Success.

You possibly found direction, leadership, purpose, and not from the others around you in childhood.

That is the thing though, I did find it from the others around me. The people that suffered/had it bad.....etc.

[1st Round]

Time takes care of everything. In 100 hundred years, the reservations will be different. How so? Maybe they will not exist because they outlived their intent. Why would the remnants of an indigenous people isolate themselves? For what reason would there even be remnants. What will hot prairie climes have to offer anyone now or ever? Have fun with your life. Some will always stay. But the future will not treat uncreative types very well. Just like it has not so far, in every corner of earth. My children could care less they look Aprapaho,Crow, Lakota, Irish, German, Slovak, and Swedish. Why would they care about that stuff. It means so little. Learn to speak Spanish or Chinese for ease of employment and value. We enjoyed tripe soup served from galvanized pails at graduation. Then we look for our lives like evryone else in the world. No problem. Look around, follow leads, chat with friends and elders. Its easy stuff. Some like to stay and do nothing. That's ok but they wither. There will always be those. No problem. Time will rub them as no one cares for anyone that is bumfilled. Why would they care. If help is scorned.
Time will waste them. Beautiful things are what humans like. Help folks to be beautiful.

[Wicked Felina]

Originally Posted by 1st Round

Time takes care of everything. In 100 hundred years, the reservations will be different. How so? Maybe they will not exist because they outlived their intent. Why would the remnants of an indigenous people isolate themselves? For what reason would there even be remnants. What will hot prairie climes have to offer anyone now or ever? Have fun with your life. Some will always stay. But the future will not treat uncreative types very well. Just like it has not so far, in every corner of earth. My children could care less they look Aprapaho,Crow, Lakota, Irish, German, Slovak, and Swedish. Why would they care about that stuff. It means so little. Learn to speak Spanish or Chinese for ease of employment and value. We enjoyed tripe soup served from galvanized pails at graduation. Then we look for our lives like evryone else in the world. No problem. Look around, follow leads, chat with friends and elders. Its easy stuff. Some like to stay and do nothing. That's ok but they wither. There will always be those. No problem. Time will rub them as no one cares for anyone that is bumfilled. Why would they care. If help is scorned.
Time will waste them. Beautiful things are what humans like. Help folks to be beautiful.

I don't understand the first part of your post. Are you sayig that indigenous people "isolated themselves, " historically speaking. Your children, and others might care about being Arapaho or Lakota because they are proud of their heirtage.

My family has deep Irish hooligan (as some would say) roots. And included in our family history is a revolutionary hero who sacrificed his life in the name of abolitionism. I am extremely proud of what he accomplished, even though it cost him his life. History matters, and culture matters.

I know a man who is Huasteca Apache. His tribe survived so well because their holy men realized that the earth was changing, and they could not stop it. They adapated. They are still extremely proud of their traditions, still practice them, and are proud of their history. Are not the Black Hills still considered holy ground, even by scholars and other Native tribes?

That's kind of like what you are saying now, right? Learn Spanish or Chinese? No one will stop the world from changing. And we, all of us, must adapt.

But if people are depressed, or are mired in an drugged or alcoholic stupor, the "pick yourself up by your bootstraps" theory, does not work. IMO, no one can succeed without direct help from someone else, be it a grandmother, neighbor, etc.

I understand that the 'hot prairie climes' are holy to some people, and some elders will not leave. They should not be forced to. It is their home. They have been selectively isolated, not by choice. Doesn't that play some factor with a depressed culture? No excuses, I'm just trying to understand.

I certainly don't know what the answer is. If I am totally of base here, let me know. My experience is only in extensive reading of the area, and the Plains tribes.

When we lived in New Mexico, my father ran a gas station. Navajo would come in to the store, trading hand made jewelry and rugs for food. My father took very little from them, if anything, but always offered what food he could (our food, and my mother's cooking). We were taught to share what we had.

Before we moved we were gifted with many hand made blankets and specially made jewelry. I will keep those blankets for the rest of my life. They respected that my father and mother did not take advantage of them. Yes, they were extremely poor, and most were alcoholics. The Navajo nation is one of the richest in the country now - is that not true?

If I am speaking out of turn, or have this whole thing twisted in an unending Celtic knot, please let me know. I offer no help, only questions. And I welcome understanding.

Thank you.

[BusySocialWorker]

Personally, I feel several areas of importance include support and positive role models. Structure and expectations. Guidance and consistency. Accountability and resposibility. Good cause effect thinking and insight into how actions cause outcomes. Seeing the big picture and knowing how you may want your life different from those around you, or similar to those around you.

I am torn because I know there are many many excellent programs for people in need, but at the same time, some level of accountability and some expectations need to be in place. It is very hard to instill an "inspired attitude" but some people just have it. Those people need to share their inspiration, success, and pride.

I find the situation sad that there is so little industry or opportunity in the area. I also find it sad that others prey on the vonuarbility others show.

I am anxious to hear your story and thank you for your post!

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by msj.1_78

That is the thing though, I did find it from the others around me. The people that suffered/had it bad.....etc.

Did you get it because they were positive and encouraging, or because you realized that you didn't want to end up on their trail?

I'm not trying to be rude, so please don't take it that way. Just curious.

[DannyBanany]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

Did you get it because they were positive and encouraging, or because you realized that you didn't want to end up on their trail?

I'm not trying to be rude, so please don't take it that way. Just curious.

That's a very good point EH. Learning from example can work both ways.