KOTA-TV: Lakota Teen Suicide; WBCWS project benefit concert

This video from a Rapid City, South Dakota TV newscast is posted with permission from KOTA TV News Director John Petersen.

KOTA TV did an excellent story on the tragic problem of teen suicide at the Lakota Rosebud Reservation.

The teen suicide issue is just one of the projects of the White Buffalo Calf Woman Society (WBCWS) in Mission, S.D. that has served the Rosebud Sioux Reservation for nearly 30 years.

On Sunday August 12 a benefit concert to aid the WBCWS will be held at the Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church in Custer, S.D. (More information on the concert is at the end of this page)

Rosebud Sioux Tribe declares state of emergency on reservation suicides

By Lela French

For nearly a decade teen suicide has been one of the biggest problems on the Rosebud Reservation.

"The belief right now is that it is at a crisis state," says Tillie Black Bear Executive Director of White Buffalo Calf Women.

But in the past two years the problem has gotten even worse.

Lino Spotted Elk is one of many fathers who had to deal with the loss of his son who committed suicide two years ago at the age of 19.

"It's really impacted myself and my family as far as of course the loss of a loved one. But also you know the way he went. You don't expect to bury your child," says Lino Spotted Elk.

But many parents have had to do just that.

Council members say in the past two years there were more than four hundred suicide attempts at least 10 of those were successful, and most were teenage boys.

Which is why tribal council members are declaring a state of emergency.

"The task force right now is attempting to bring together all the different agencies and programs on the reservation that are addressing suicide in anyway," says Black Bear.

Black bear says alcohol and drugs play a huge role in the number of suicides, but each case is different.

Social problems, depression, and poverty also contribute to the numbers.

"Many of these teens don't recognize that they're just at this place and time at this particular moment that tomorrow things could be different," says Black Bear.

Some prevention measures are already in place, but Spotted Elk says parents should just do what he regrets not doing.

"Spend more time with your children and do more things with them, you know in the prevention aspect. To help other parents prevent this from happening," says Spotted Elk.

If you are interested in helping, a benefit concert is being held in Custer at the Lutheran Fellowship Church Sunday, August 12th at 5:00PM.

For more information you can call the White Buffalo Calf Woman Society, Inc. at 605-856-2317
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KOTA (TV-3) Territory News (ABC)

web:
http://www.kotatv.com

News Director John Petersen
johnpetersen@rushmore.com

Assignment Editor Jack Siebold
kotanews@rushmore.com

News Producer Jennifer Stahl
jennystahl@rushmore.com
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More info on concert - Sunday, August 12, 2007 in Custer S.D.:

The public is invited to free benefit concert at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at the Custer Lutheran Fellowship church in Custer, S.D. with donations for the White Buffalo Calf Woman Society domestic violence program, the nation's first battered woman's shelter for Native American women and children in Mission, S.D. that has served the Rosebud Indian Reservation for nearly 30 years.

Performing will be family string band White Water and Duo Borealis, two groups known for their unique folk music from Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

For more information contact Rev. Dave Van Kley at 605-673-4691.

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Links to indepth concert/WBCWS stories:

AAA Native Arts
http://www.aaanativearts.com/article1485.html

ARTS 4-Christ
http://www.art4christ.com/lutheran-ministries/free-concert-to-benefit-native-...
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KOTA TV ABC Rapid City - Teen Suicide/Benefit Concert story
http://www.kotatv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6884537
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RedWebz website:
http://redwebz.org/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2394
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Urth TV blog:
http://www.urth.tv/content/view/16661/222/
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Native American Times:
http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=8911

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Mission
• South
• Dakota
• Custer
• Lutheran
• Fellowship
• church
• White
• Water
• band
• Turtle
• Island
• Project
• benefit
• concert
• fundraiser

[akichita87]

This is very tragic. The suicide rates on Indian Reservations, especially Rosebud, are literally among the highest in the world. These are young men and women too. Individuals who haven't yet fullfilled their potential. I am upset with out nation for ignoring and neglecting the "Real" Americans that live in an environment comparable to that in the Middle East. But I know that these wounds are deep, and can't simply be cured by throwing money at it. Their identities and culture have been damaged.

[MunisingWhiteHorse]

@akichita87

You are correct - and the magnitude of this crisis has - for the most part - been ignored by the non-native world and would be headlines if it involved whites.

The evil corporations and much of the ruling class continue to pray on those that they try to enslave.

Drugs, alcohol also play a big part - but when you have nothing and nothing to hope for - drugs and alcohol are a cheap lure.

[3909clancy]

People don't get it.Native or not drugs and alcohol are killing these kids!!Any other issue is just not dealing with the real issues drugs and alcohol.

[MunisingWhiteHorse]

@3909clancy

Thank you for your comments - as in civil rights we must keep our eye on the prize - and the same goes for the roots of evil and dispair - which far too often are as you stated.

[ocachisu]

to my fellow young generation, don't think this is the end. we really are the future and our voice will be the only voice. it's up to us to change the world and if we don't no one will. the change starts with us! :)

[MunisingWhiteHorse]

@ocachisu

You are correct - and the Seventh generation and others will lead our society out of its current dispair and all the evil people and corporations who feed on young souls.

[ImOfNope]

I am a firemen at one of the Sundances. I send each and everyone one of you strength and whatever strength I have to give. Don't fight one another. Don't bully one another. Forgive one another. Love one another and be strong together. That is what we are told to do at the Sundance. That is our strength as a people. I ask that you young people lead the way. All of you. Support each other and be the one's that keep your communities strong for all time.

[Jordan9393939393]

Ok guys I live in this place and I wish it could change a lot but it just wouldn't I lost many family members from suicide and alcohol abuse which is crazy to me

[godschildyes]

@MunisingWhiteHorse I believe that my brother!

[omgfaglolz]

Lol wait.. they're holding a benefit at CUSTER lutheran?....

[akichita87]

@MunisingWhiteHorse

There's a supposed quote from Crazy Horse that he gave before he journeyed on... It starts something like, "Upon suffering beyond suffering, the Red Nation will rise again." After seeing this video, I wonder if they've reached this point. How much more suffering will they have to endure? My heart goes out to the Ikce Wicasa and Ikce Wiyan.

[beone011]

With respect; If you commit suicide you will still have to relive every minute of your life, experience it and live your life until a natural death. You made a promise to endure this life-with god. You volunteered to come here on earth to learn and create positive or negative, the two great powers governing everything here. Seek God/Jesus and ask for help God Bless You All

[CTMarie11]

It's so sad to hear about teen suicides I'm a native American teen and it hurts to hear this..why are they so hurt I wish they could get help before its too late..

[NativeSouljaz]

Instill value in your children, I have talked too many of my fam and friends out of suicide sometimes i think that is why the creator put me here. Listen to your children! Be involved. The ones that are most troubled have crumpled relationships with a parental figures. Don't let them try to grow up too fast and be in relationships too, thats another reason why they take their lives. Much Love from a Spirit Lake Dakota! Mitakuye Owasin!