How do we solve the problems that plague Native Americans, on and off the reservation in South Dakota? (Sioux Falls: city hall, homes)

[msj.1_78]

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?

Originally Posted by 1st Round

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.

Yes, time does take care of some things. You are right about that. I have seen many places in this world and in everyone of them, there is problems and tension that are from not recent issues, but, issues that are centuries, sometimes thousands of years old. With what I have seen in this world, nobody forgets. As to what will hot prairie climates have to offer anyone now or ever, tell that to the Arabs in the desert, or the Inuits in the frozen lands to the north. These types of environments seem aweful to you and I but to them, it's home.

I'm glad your children have that mind set. Unfortunately, it does matter how you look or act. It has always been this way. Why else do people dress up for job interviews, why else did so many European immigrants shorten or change their names when they came to America. It means so much.

[msj.1_78]

Very well put. There are so few Natives that any problems with the people are noticed very easily. There are plenty of people from all races that have the same problems. They get "free money", and "healthcare" too. People are still poor, though, and there are awful places to live in throughout this country. It's not a cultural thing, it's a no hope thing. In the end, you come to a fork in the road and you have to decide which one you will take. You could choose the path to success and there are still trails that lead from that road to the path of failure and misery and they are marked with signs that say short cut, or detour. There are no short cuts in life. In the end, it isn't God, family, friends, it's you that decides.

[msj.1_78]

Don't excuse your words. Say what is on your mind. I didn't want to end up on their trail. It took more than that though.

[msj.1_78]

That was the point I was trying to make.

[msj.1_78]

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

BusySocialWorker, well spoken. One thing you forgot, though, was setting a standard. Most people "there" don't care about themselves. Everything you do affects others as well. As a leader, sometimes I resort to using what is called mass punishment. When one messes up, all suffer. It shows that you may not care about what happens to you, but when others suffer for your mistakes, the true punishment will come from your piers. The lack of respect, the shame of letting them down. It works considerable wonders. People "there" aren't accountable or responsible for anything or anyone. Of course people will say, "not all people on the rez are like that, how could you say such a thing." Well, when everyone is succesful and prospering and a few are bad, do we say not all people are like that, how could you say such a thing? We say such a thing because it is the majority mind set and lifestyle. In other words, it is a problem. There are plenty of natives that succeed and succeed greatly. The problem is, they leave and don't come back. It isn't a problem for them but it takes away the role models and standard setters from the others. I left years ago and promised I wouldn't come back until I have straightened myself out. When I came home, I was looked at very differently. People tried to get the same attitudes with me, but this time, I called them out on their problems. I know my past, they just don't know their present. I have been in their shoes. And I decided to change shoes. I can yell and point the finger at them. The problem is, that is all people do. Something I have learned over the years is yell, point the finger, but don't do it unless you can offer a solution. If not, keep your mouth shut. Finally, after all the yelling and finger pointing, reach out and offer a hand. I only do it once though. You are right, they need to see the big picture. Sharing success and pride are very key.

[blackhillsdreams]

MSJ, Are you asking for suggestions here? No disrespect intended but, it seems as if you, having been there, done that, and seemingly beaten the odds, are in the best position to suggest a course of action here.

By the way, thank you for your service, hope you get home safe.

[msj.1_78]

First, let me start by saying thank you for your support. I'm just an individual but an entire population is another issue. I'm just curious at what other people think are suitable solutions.

[blackhillsdreams]

How about you tell us what worked and also what did NOT work for you and I'm sure people will be happy to chime in and build from there. There are many roads to the top of a mountain, some not as good or quick as others and not everyone is equipped for all kinds of roads. I don't think there is a "catch all" solution that can be applied to everyone.

That being said, it is just about 100% impossible to help people that won't help themselves. I think the first step is getting them to acknowledge they need help, then figure out that they want help, and THEN you are at the starting line. Those that aren't sure they need or want help, will only drag you down...

[sligogirl]

Thank you veteran for serving our Country...
I was on a vacation once, visiting Yellowstone, stayed with a family (7th generation potato farmers), the wife, a Mormon ( for description purposes only) said to me, "My daughter wanted to adopt a child from the reservation nearby, never having one herself, but was told by the the Native Council this would not be allowed, because the child would not be raised within the culture of the native people's. The daughter would be allowed to be a benefactor, with, weekly visitations, but would have to return to the reservation every three weeks or so to absorb the culture of their people. She then hesitated and said, "There is unemployment, and alcoholism on the reservation, what would he/she be missing".
I did not answer that question, I was twenty years old at the time, self absorbed, but I still remember those statements.
My comment now, as a Mom, and an adult, "It takes a village, to raise a child"
cliche, yes, but my opinion.

[Wicked Felina]

I, too, would like to thank you for your service. And wish you and your fellow soldiers a safe return home.