Pine Ridge Reservation: waiting for stimulus help.

In communities where it is a struggle to meet the most basic needs, the countrys 565 tribes are gearing up to apply for economic stimulus money that will help build and repair ailing infrastructure on their reservations. Video by Marisol Bello and René Alston/USA TODAY

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• native american
• issues
• poverty

[lori6908]

The government has built homes on the rez and u destroy them and the government tries to help the native Americans but they have come to believe they are "owed" a living. Time to stop whining get over it and do something about it. Move, get an education, find a job, pay your bills, prove who you really are and then maybe you will EARN some respect. Why do you think you deserve a hand out? And yes I am part Sioux and no one helps me out but myself......

[713outlaw1]

to think all this was theirs guess that's how the government diminishes the indigenous population ...... 

[lilliteningpea]

hey brad pitt how about helping these folks with echo friendly houseing???

[MrWhalen80]

@JourneyRocks81

yeah, it would take alot of fight, and for many good Native people to come togather to educate themselves and then they havea better chance to overcome the opression. Not only this Rez but all of them who face similar circumstances. The reality is that these changes may take many years to happen, but if they really want it, who knows what can happen

[MrWhalen80]

@mwr0585

Your comment may sound rude to those who are oblivious to the facts, but you hit the nail on the head with that comment. There are many successful Native Ranchers there, Superintendants, small businesses owners, Electricians, plumbers ect.. and then you have the other 80% who, choose to recieve recieve, recieve, and give very very little return. Those Successful Natives are out there busting their humps, and the rest(most) are waiting for more handouts.

[MrWhalen80]

@theBCdream

I agree, the native people today do not hold the same exact view of life as they did 100 yrs plus ago. Most people really do not realize this!! The modern day Native has access, just as most do in America, to may resources to make a better living.They enjoy nice cars,big screan TV's, plumbing, heating, electric, fast food, vacations, soda,pizza, birthday celebrations, cable tv,as most modern day Americans.They too listen to justin beber!!

[JourneyRocks81]

@MrWhalen80 Yes indeed. The tribal council and chairman or president need to be held accountable for the funds that are (given). to the tribes. This money is for fiscal year operations. however, alot of other monies are not accounted for. like pine ridge. this could be stopped but the powers that be will not make it end, because like third world countries..oppressive governments keep their people down by keeping them poor. pine ridge gets more money than my reservation does.

[MrWhalen80]

@JourneyRocks81

Great comment!!!!! I support that, and agree that the real solution for the people is to hold their tribal leaders fully acountable.Millions of dollars go to that Rez evry year, and then right across the border to White Clay just unr 8 million in annual revenue to those liquor stores every year., and 90% of the customers come from the Rez!

[JourneyRocks81]

nice to make your acquaintance. I am a full blood sioux that was in these peoples same predictament. one day i said i have had enough. And, went out off the rez and did something for myself. and so can they. You read books, and study about the native american? that is good. but, you haven't lived it until you have lived it. I don't hate my rez, just the politics that hinders my peoples progress on the rez. Formal Education is what will get you out and off the rez.. It did for me..hoka

[theBCdream]

@JessieHellaNasty - Very true! The only problem is that the Elite will never apologize and give back anything. The best thing they can do for themselves is to flip off the gov and try to build their lives up again on their own. Just saying because that's what I believe I would do. Cheers