PINE RIDGE INDIAN RESERVATION MONTAGE BY REZ BOMB DIRECTOR

[sarabower1]

$1,500 a year? I couldn't live off of that a week

[oExDetho]

Bleh!....I miss home...

[countryified]

I didn't realize that so many people would disagree with me. sorry for commenting

[wolfatnight]

This is what happens when you are forced to rely on government for the survival of your people...... God Bless the Lakota people....

[roaringfirefilms]

@countryified they get a lot less money than all the surrounding white towns get for infrastructure, agriculture etc and they are denied access to a lot that everyone else has access to so check your facts first.

[Chevymonster203]

@countryified What, do you realize what you are saying. The government a ways back sent them food that was rotten and misplaced money that they send. They have no jobs, no food and they place liqour stores right outside the reservation because they know that the majority of them are dreppresed and will find anyway to forget the truth. Learn you facts first before you speak.

[savethelakota]

@countryified You need to get your facts straight. Let's compare how much money our government gives to Pine Ridge (chump change) compared to how much our government spends per year on planned parenthood for abortions....ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS per year for abortions! Pine Ridge Reservation is on the LOWEST of the list for government funding. Our government spends 100 million dollars a year for abortions....yet people are holding on for dear life at Pine Ridge.  This ought to tell you.

[roaringfirefilms]

@savethelakota In the US far more than 100 million is spent on executing people every year.

[savethelakota]

@roaringfirefilms Excellent point!

[truleeblest06]

Americans need to understand that they don't get "handouts". There are billions of dollars "held in trust" by the Federal government. It is rightfully theirs but each tribe must fight for disbursements. Also, what is not discussed, is the fact that these reservations have l"land value" which is traded on the stock market, Pine Ridge being the 8th largest, politicians and other elitists become even more wealthy, continue to pay less taxes while the Natives suffer. Peace to All...

[roaringfirefilms]

@jajicash So what are the lies and blasphemy can you find in this?

[MMA]

Notice how the churches are nicer than the homes. Disgusting.

[Superdave1ize]

I feel sorry for the whites...they are a very sick race....i am a dog in the way in which i can tell souls are happy, sad, in a hurry, looking to snag..etc...and most white people have a very bad thing going on....this land is really holy...it has been taken care of ....and it will take care of itself, so stay humble, proud and never ever give up the fight.....unless you are the female i'm tryin tu snag ...hahaha

[tristansmom982000]

This is BAD! But its everywhere not just the reservation. Rich whites even turning their backs on their own. Not just other ethic groups. I live in NW AZ and our Republican Govenor Jan brewer is a Nazi. She hates all non -whites & the poor. Cuts goverenment aid to the poor. I hate to say it but Its not just you guys. Its the rich Vs the poor. Always has been. Your tragic history sucks but cannot be changed.

[MrCERO06]

@AngryActivist45 well 1st off im 4rm the ghetto, the hood or projects if u wanna call it that but we struggle as much as everyone else and yeah i do know how it is 2 live in a 3rd world country 4 about a yr but thats true thou the govt is so fucked up its ridiculous so yeah ur rite u deserve wat u r owed. . .

[mrtaz1990]

man poor people.....i wish i had a trillion to help them get on the feet....

[SLACKER614]

my greatgrandmother was full blooded Cherokee..growing up i saw the rez up close in TN/NC.....a national disgrace....genocide of entire population....nothing will erase these crimes....ever...

[sweetspirit681]

This breaks my heart really. Instead of focusing on the problem...how can we, the American People help find a solution. As I watched this video, my opinion alone is that the government has not changed and as long as the people refuse to give up their lands..the government will let them suffer until maybe one day the people will give up and walk off their land of which I know will never happen. Can't say I blame them. Anyone have a solution?

[VailSongwriter]

I am so Proud Of My Cousin's My Aunt & Uncle For All they do For The People

[roaringfirefilms]

Their "lack"? they were a very successful society before boarding schools, an unhealthy diet being forced upon them, suppression of religious freedom, lack of access to a fair criminal justice system, enforced extreme poverty and genocide. And yet they are more welcoming than any other place within North America and whether functional or not family is still at the heart of everything not greed. The rest of the US is seriously broken too but at its own hand.

[5onitws]

@roaringfirefilms yup my brother or sister the vatican waged war a long time ago on us and they say in there own documents it still continues. but youll never hear about that in modern day European constructed education

[victorcrownvictor]

Roaring you are making an excuse for their lack. How is it you would change things to make native americans more self supporting? I know many native americans, many i call friends but i tell you the truth when i tell you that most do not want to better their situation unless it is through govt. help/handouts.

[victorcrownvictor]

Until the govt. stops the handouts......nothing will change on the reservations such as pine ridge. If you continue to leave food out for a wolf, the wolf will no longer go out to hunt. And of course that is bad for the wolf but he does not know it and continues to take the given food and of course the wolf's life is comprimised and basicaly ruined. It is sad but until govt. makes the needed change, it will always be this way.

[roaringfirefilms]

@victorcrownvictor Well the average American has more spent on their infrastructure and overall support than those on Pine Ridge so do you want to cut off those "hand outs" first. People on Pine Ridge don't get much so lets cut through that myth. Part of why they could not develop economically is because government built up the infrastructure in all the white surrounding communities but not on the reservations hindering development. With 80% unemployment its a vacuum for ecconomy

[tehatemachine]

@roaringfirefilms Truly though. Everyone has to have a job. It's better to work than to not work. But I would have to agree with him. Handouts need to stop. I'm not trying to be an asshole either. I think this will help them and motivate them, They should stop handouts even with what is going on here in California. People abuse government spending which accounts to a large portion of our national debt. People need to sustain themselves and become self sufficient.

[tamills74]

@victorcrownvictor the govt has taken away the land, habitat, and natural resources that could sustain a tribe; take away the habitat of a living being, and you either provide for it or let it die;there are levels of "living" that the govt is willing to allow the occupants of these reservations to endure; they feed the wolf just enough so that it doesn't die, but not so much that it can take strength of its own

[sarabower1]

@victorcrownvictor I totally agree with you

[bob3783]

@victorcrownvictor we are talking about people here not wolves. why make a contrast to animals.

[victorcrownvictor]

@bob3783 Seemed like the best way to make a valid point. I happen to really respect the wolf. They are fierce beautiful creatures who do tremendous at fending for themselves without help or intervention.

[DOCTORDANification]

Next time you sing the National Anthem, remember what "our" country has done to "us"

[7thunderstone]

I CHALLENGE ANY ONE READING THIS: TAKE SOME BREAD LET IT GET MOLDEY,THEN PUT IT ON A PLATE AND PUT IT BY YOUR BED,BREATH IT IN EVERY NIGHT AND YOU WILL HAVE AN IDEA OF HOW THEY ARE LIVING

[FoxbellyII]

Ilove this video always

[32corrupted]

great job on the video however its a shame society is so attracted to"negativity" so will be more interested in looking at the stuff that is sad actually.no offence to anyone on here! i just wish instead of watching things like this we can actually do something to help also! its a true saying"the poor get poorer and the rich get richer"

[roaringfirefilms]

@32corrupted Thanks for the comments. I'd actually view this not in terms of negativity but just in terms of showing reality and revealing statistics etc. I think most people watching this are not attracted to negativity but are building an awareness of Pine Ridge out of compassion and many are or will become involved in trying to help. Mostly it is out of ignorance that this situation is allowed to exist as it remains on no political agenda.

[7thunderstone]

@32corrupted you see.this what i mean,no one wants to see the truth,they just wanna turn the channel...

[7thunderstone]

@32corrupted IT IS EASY FOR PEOPLE TO FORGET THIS BECAUSE YOUR NOT LIVING IN IT,BUT IF YOUR POOR LIKE THIS YOU HAVE NO VOICE.NO HOPE,NO FUTURE,AND ITS EASY TO SAY STUFF FROM THE COMFORT OF A WARM HOME AND COMPUTER

[roaringfirefilms]

You can get more of an idea from some of the other Pine Ridge video's here. We're finishing a major new documentary about Pine Ridge, the DVD is out later this year, email inyoentertainment@live.com with DVD in the subject line and we can add you to the mailing list. Average life expectancy for men on Pine Ridge is around 45 to 47 (women early 50's)

[roaringfirefilms]

@kumralgirl The video shows images of some of the worst housing in Pine Ridge village. It is estimated there they have 4% of the finance needed to bring the housing up to the US standard.Some of them may have 3 families in them maybe 15,20,25 people in them.

[kumralgirl]

@roaringfirefilms thank you,´but is it really so terrible ,i mean their living conditions?

[roaringfirefilms]

@kumralgirl For many, many people there yes. Though it is also my favourite place as I have a lot of fun there as my friends there like many of the people there have an amazing sense of humour in-spite of the conditions.

[yurpadre]

WOW!!!! Next time you come and do a video here, try to speak with some locals and show the good side of the housing instead of all the rundown old houses HUH!!!! JUST SHOWING ALL THE BAD AND OLD RONDOWN HOUSES IS INSULTING AND DEGRADING!!!!!! SPEAK TO SOME PEOPLE FROM PINE RIDGE NEXT TIME

[roaringfirefilms]

@yurpadre Actually am just finishing a feature documentary shot over 11 years entirely in the words of the residents and made from about 70 hours of interviews and footage.You're right about showing the bad housing because the quality of housing is a tragedy & those images fail to convey many of the other problems like black mold & that many people don't even have a house of there own, and so there may be multiple families in these homes.I show that people shouldn't have to live this way.Thanks

[pugdogy]

@roaringfirefilms great job on this video,,,this is absolutely heart breaking,,,to think of such a proud and strong people as the native americans being forced to endure such hardship is outrageous, I hope the whole country watches this film, a real eye opener,,,,:(

[32corrupted]

@yurpadre I AGREE!!!

[Lochee1000]

ALL (cont'd): I also think we are allowing other people to come up with inventions & ideas that Natives can design & implement themselves. Can we all (Natives) just stop for a moment and think about what we DO HAVE as opposed to what it appears we DON'T HAVE? Yes, there's still land-grabbing going on, so as Natives, we need to change how we plan to use what we've got. I don't believe Grandpa Tantanka, Geronimo & others would just sit & let others decide for us. I believe in challenging us first.

[Lochee1000]

ALL: Agree with the angst, frustration, & rage many of us have about what is going on as pertaining to Pine Ridge, Rosebud, & other rez communities, however, we need to step it up ourselves from a tribal standpoint. I refuse to believe we are simply put, a pariah people. I think we can do better in terms of controlling the scarece resources of these rezs. I don't see WHY we can't initiate proposals for green energy plants, above ground farming, etc. I think many of us are caught up in the pain.

[acerb45666555]

its still a varied community isnt it? with Tradtionals, and Christians? i send this to the Christians. i open a door to a world more complex than you thought. you may real support for Lakota aspirations in the place i show you.....watch>>Arabic Orthodox Chant فرحت جداً

[vertramp911]

@AngryActivist45 I have always felt this way but, my people are douches, I am sorry

[Rusfi16]

There is a quick solution to the poverty there. A casino. With a decent buffett preferably.

[Lochee1000]

@Rusfi16 : I believe the casino idea has been utilized to a fault in NDN country. I'm sorry, there's way too many...too many..more wholesome ways to make money with clean energy, green mills and plants. It's time Natives got on the cutting edge and play the game in such a way that Natives can own and control their resources...chart their own destinies. We need Native scientists, teachers, scholars, inventors, etc to simply STEP IT UP. Down with the excuses....up with independence and industry.

[InfiniteMushroom]

Look at the soul-destroying architecture on the reservation. Architecture is a powerful voice that tells people who they are and what they are part of. A land full of broken down trailers and run down buildings just tells them that they are getting the white man's cast offs.

I know the idea of bringing back tipis may seem ridiculous but, larger versions can be developed and modern conveniences incorporated without disrupting the spiritual link to the past. That and clean up the reservation.

[KaraMurphee]

There are other Native American tribes living in poverty as well. Look at Oklahoma - the Cherokee Nation and other tribes across America. They too are noble as well!

[KaraMurphee]

@AngryActivist45 Have you ever lived in the ghetto? I hate when people make comments such as yours, and have no idea what it is like to live in an urban jungle. What people do not seem to understand is that we all are oppressed in some way, shape, or form by those who have money, power, and are part of the decision making process in this country. Look within your own tribe, and see if your leaders are part of the those who have everything while you go without.

[Dunitlucky]

What has Obama done for you Lakota's?

[roaringfirefilms]

@Dunitlucky Not too much more than most presidents but at least some stimulus money has gone on some construction projects there. Also they've signed a bill giving tribal police more jurisdiction to investigate crime which is a step in the right direction and has taken over 100 years to do. Also they've offered a settlement on a long standing tribal law-suit to the tune of about 3 billion, which is a fraction of what it should be but a move forward from nothing. So better but still far off

[Dunitlucky]

@roaringfirefilms I don't get why the Tribal police have not had jurisdiction on tribal land there until now? Rez's around here the tribal police have for as long as I remember had control other than federal offenses. Sovereignty on tribal land is something most people simply don't understand & it seems even some in the federal government don't either. I hope those funds show up faster than the Indian Trust fund. The isolation of those tribes doesn't make for easy access to education for sure.

[roaringfirefilms]

@Dunitlucky It's the crimes under the major crimes act that I'm referring to. In Indian country they are considered federal crimes where they are dealt with local law enforcement in US society. It means the tribes are not as reliant so far as I gather on the FBI choosing to come (or not) to investigate crimes. 

[ckhafagiuk]

what a shame .... they live in poverty in a million dollar scenery :(

[marcdruten]

these noble lakotah indians ones should get help from everyone asap, these are very honourable people, can't you see that? Awesome sightseeing tour! thank you

[changling21]

government gave inadequate land for these natives 160 acres apiece and most

of the large ranches are leashed by whites.

[darkannoble2009]

i'm amazed that these people have been left help less, wow , this is the biggest shame on america, no doubt:( its really sad.

[lenasvn]

@AngryActivist45 I hear you. My son is Hunkpapa, I'll always be an outsider to some, but I always worked with and for your people.

[lenasvn]

@AngryActivist45 They kept taking and taking. The original treaty included the Black Hills. Imagine if you got to keep that to begin with. You need the land back, that's the only true solution. In the meantime people are ignorant. people hail those who arrange huge rescue deals for Haiti, Pakistan and all that while they totally ignore the issue in their own backyard. Hypocrites. Honor the elders and take good care of them. Keep the traditions, the soul of the people. Blessings

[roaringfirefilms]

Hi @Imollot the biggest problem on the reservation is not begging for government intervention it IS the government intervention, creating the boarding schools that created abuse and ripped families and family structures apart. The killing of culture and of their healthy diet that their bodies were conditioned to and replacing it with a dire diet devoid of nutrition. Of building up infrastructure in the rest of the USA and leaving reservations in economic vacuum. US govt was/is the problem

[lmollot]

BUT THEN- HOW DO THE MENNONITES DO IT? COULDN T WE HELP OURSELVES INSTEAD OF BEGGING GOVT? TEACH OUR KIDS SELF SUFFICIENCY? HOW DO THE MENNONITES DO IT?

[stevenlsimpson]

@lmollot Sadly too many of the problems are endemic to make positive change to take hold that quickly. It is an economic vacuum where there are great limits on what the land there can produce and literally the generations are still recovering from having their culture beaten out of them (though thankfully this is returning) but there are so many layers to the problems. They were self sufficient beyond the Mennonites but that was all destroyed by government,by the gun,the bible and foreign law

[1NX9]

@lmollot

The Mennonites has wheat fields for growing food. Alot of more modern Mennonites also sell stuff to the outside world.

[twyztur1978]

@AngryActivist45 A'HO ... IS IN THAT TRU...

[spareaxe]

@AngryActivist45 White men never promised you "shit". Grow up.

[thumpasaurusrex]

We have to become warriors again. Info warriors with quivers full of info tipped arrows. Take back the government!

[thumpasaurusrex]

@AngryActivist45

I agree with you. Most of the shit they teach us in school is far from the truth. I learned your history by reading books written outside of school and hanging with Native people. And your people don't deserve to live like that of course. I know about the things they have done to natives and they have done it all the same to white's and black's. Sterilization brain washing it goes on. I'm really upset about it. We gotta appeal to each other to fix it.

[thumpasaurusrex]

@AngryActivist45 You disgrace your own great leaders when you say your people gave the White Man your land on the whim of a promise. Why don't you go read some history on your own people and see what proud fighters they were and how they were smarter than believing in the white man's promise, unlike you. You seem to be content to wait for a check from the US gov. Yea right when buffalo roam the plains again.

[thumpasaurusrex]

@AngryActivist45 One other thing. You act like the white man took your land by himself. There were buffalo soldiers and other Natives fighting on the white mans side. They didn't realize that even though they were getting rid of an enemy tribe they were paving the way to their own destruction. Alot of the Tribes hated each other just as much as they hated the whites. Any way maybe more tribes should reach out to each other because appealing to the US government will get you no where.

[thumpasaurusrex]

you gave them what they wanted? In the history books I read Natives fought to keep what the US government took. When you lose a war you don't a pay check you become defeated. Stop waiting for your old enemy to give you a hand out. The US government on the hole doesn't care about you or any body else but least of all Natives. To them the only good Indian is a dead Indian. GET IT???? STOP WAITING FOR A HAND OUT.

[MaxxJayHood]

Hey thats my home, born and raised, yeah its bad but its still my home, PRZ love to all my Oglala Lakota Oyate!!! come to Ridge for the Lakota Nations!! its around the time of that stergis bike rally bullshit. rodeos, carnivals, basketball games, baseball games, skateboard contests, and the powwow its self to name a few!! come on down!! all is welcome, re discover ya native roots, or just share ya native roots, or if you dont have any, grow some native roots!! mites well... shit. anyways, Lates!

[1039111]

@MaxxJayHood hey i live really far away so i may never go but if i did, honestly would it be safe?

[TheAlliswell]

they need to get together with their state representative and say we are going to vote you out ! here is what we as registered voters want, politicians fear the vote more than anything, pine ridge has a lot of history why not make it a historical landmark with U.S. Gov.. funding tourist's history writers, school field trips, get those boys in washington rollin

[beone011]

man leave the reservation. If they are waiting for the US gov. to bail them out , they are in for a long wait! The tribal leaders have failed the people not the US government. Every human is battling life so the victim mentality and blaming someone for your personal situation is a waste of time.

[smsorour]

third world in the middle of america

[smsorour]

third world in the middle of america

[smsorour]

third world in the middle of america

[Wolfiemouse]

@AngryActivist45 You do have a point, we all grab an oar and row, or we all drown ... together.

[Wolfiemouse]

@AngryActivist45 When things are right, we are the government, by our own declarations ... of, by, and for the people, in any language. Pro life after birth!

We are the people. In this new age we all have voice, and right, if we choose to speak. Our colors in this now world are blended, we are all in/on the same boat ... planet Earth.

To stand and speak what we feel is the truth, making changes as necessary when found to be wrong.

[MrBuzzoro]

@AngryActivist45 i cant complain the government helps me and my fam with food stamps.everything els i get on my own.but relly do need help with thoese food stamps,since its 3,000$ too kill a buffelo i dont even know what it feels like 2 have 3,000$.......

[MrBuzzoro]

hear in pine ridge we salvage steel.its all we can do 4 employment. i wish we still had all thoese junk cars

[doulasc]

This is sad.

[MountainGyspy]

Nuthin like having to shoot rats coming up thru the floor....makes good food for the dogs tho.

[Earthenenigma]

"an average of 17 people per house... in trailer homes"

I need to Think about that for a minute.

[Earthenenigma]

Thanks for making this video. Its difficult to hear and neccesary.

I find the voice to be even and informed. Not judgemental or angry, It makes something that is depressing and seemingly overwhelming palletable.

This is one of the best videos i have seen so far chronicling a simple history and status of the situation on the reservation.

Many thanks

[tim3jones]

Yes sad but true.

[pure2warrior]

Sad that they cannot see that both parties are part of somthing bigger controled and installed puppets assigned either to republican or democrat teams like a sports contest the problem both sides are controled by the same Rothshcild central banksters as well as the media the Judiciary and most everything. After all they create money from nothing unaccountable to anyone. If you could create money from nothing would you let anyone be elected. Its all one evil illusion.

[Lobsterlady2362]

Pellitier (hope I spelled it right) is still in jail? Great vid. Sad but true.

[SarahRosehawk]

Leonard Peltier has been Illegally Imprisoned for 34 years. Judges have commented that They didn't believe he was guilty and that he should be released immediately ! He was Nixons Political Prisoner & now he is Obamas Political Prisoner. If Obama had a SCRAP of Honor he would grant Executive Clemency & have him released! Oby should also HONOR his SIGNED Directive to his "Agencys...to work WITH Native people". Which None Have!

[Wolfiemouse]

@Lobsterlady2362 Please do your self a favor and google Leonard Peltier. The truth is about to burst out to the surface. It is time for the healing to begin. Learn all you can, then tell others. Start with the Whitehouse and the DOJ.

Rachel Maddow seems to be fighting for the truth of things, and is very proud of her fact checking crew. Tell her it is time to cover the American Holocaust.

Stand up, speak out, set an example.

[Lobsterlady2362]

@Wolfiemouse Be glad to do that.  Also help if I can. Stay Safe.