Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Summary

I am from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Growing up on the reservation is hard because it is very poverty stricken and the mood here is not a happy one. As a child, I was partially raised by my grandmother who was a wonderful teacher to myself, and many other relatives. Growing up in her house is a big part of why I would like to teach. In her home, there were always children and she made it a big deal for us to do educational activities. If we weren’t watching something educational on television, we were singing songs or doing fun little activities at the kitchen table.

Native American poverty is a social problem in the United States. For historic, political, sociocultural, and economic reasons, this issue affects not only those impoverished but American society as a whole. The most impoverished Native American communities are frequently within the boundaries of reservations. The rates of unemployment, low wages, and infant mortality are among the highest in the country on several reservations. Disease, mental illness, alcoholism, and fetal alcohol syndrome are also prevalent within the Native American population. To improve these conditions, strategies should be put into place to build stable economies in the otherwise isolated reservations.

Throughout the years there has been a consistent need for people to reach out to help the Native American community. This is due to the fact that statistics tell us that there are many Native Americans who abuse drugs and alcohol. This sometimes leads to addiction and the consequences they have to deal with are, losing their families, becoming addicted, or hurting their families. It should be taken into consideration that although there are many things Indian country needs to work on, there are also many ways we can help create better spaces for these people to heal from such traumatic experiences. There are many programs available for those going through such circumstances and they should look for help when needed. I believe it is important

It is no secret that the Native American and Alaska Native (NA/AN) population is one of the most overlooked and underserved communities in America. The physical health disparities that plague NA/ANs (diabetes, tuberculosis, obesity, etc) are well-documented.1 However, less data is readily available on the mental health challenges that NA/AN populations face. Recent news has highlighted the pressing need to study these issues, especially in light of the spike in suicides among youth occurring on NA/AN reservations.2 Furthermore, even less information is available with regards to NA/AN children and the mental health disparities they face, although more literature has been published in the last two decades that provide new insights into this issue.3

An oil boom at the Fort Berthold reservation has attracted thousands of newcomers—and a wave of hard-to-prosecute crime. (Sierra Crane-Murdoch)

American Indians have the highest suicide rates in Montana and make up 7% of the population (Uken, 2012, p. 3). The high unemployment and substance abuse is shown to be a major factor (Uken, 2012, p. 3).There is a shortage of employment all over Montana, not just pertaining to the reservations. This shortage and not having enough mental healthcare professionals to cover all of the small towns in Montana, limits people being seen and treated (Uken, 2012, p.4,para.6).

(523) Although Stretten’s data doesn’t specify the direct cause of youth suicide in Native Americans, she does however follow up with the American Psychology Association that shows a connection between negative Native American imagery and suicide. This association states that Native American mascots should be eradicated completely as it is known to lower students’ self-esteem and negatively influence their development (524). This imagery may also be seen as a form of bullying as it is affecting Native individuals negatively, causing them distress and for some, leading to suicide. All while the teams and fans are aware of this issue, or perhaps that is not the case and lack of awareness is the issue.

Severe behavioral health issues such as substance use disorders, mental health disorders, suicide, violence, and behavior-related chronic diseases have a profound impact on the health of Native American/Alaska Native individuals, families, and communities. Through its programs, the IHS, Division of Behavioral Health addresses these issues and promotes the Indian health care system focus on integrated behavioral health and primary care treatment, while respecting the balance, wellness, and resilience.

I found it interesting that the number of jobs in the work force nearly tripled, but those that were employed only rose by about a hundred people. The unemployment rate also rose to nearly triple what is was as well. It is staggering to see that the average income was under $10,000. Just take a minute to think how little money that is and you aren’t even sure if most people were on the higher or lower side of $10,000. I founded it very interesting that the Crow Creek Reservation was supposed to be a prison camp, but just think how many people it makes a good home for instead. I loved looking at the attractions or various things that were available on your reservation.

They have had their land stolen from them. They have been victimized again and again by colonists. Today, they face deep systemic racism. Native Americans face unprecedented amounts of adversity that is resulting in a suicide epidemic. In this review, I present solid information on the reasons that a suicide epidemic is affecting the Native American community. Suicide and mental health are not often subjects that make headlines. However, Native Americans have been facing a silent mental health crisis for decades. The rate of suicide in Native American communities is disturbingly high compared to other races. Stigma, abuse, mental illness, and a lack of federal assistance are all factors that contribute to the alarming statistics. I will be looking at the various reasons for why the suicide rates are so high in these groups and what can be or has been done to combat this problem.

Consequently, at the community level with the traumatic impact that has resulted in alcoholism, sexual abuse and the fracture of the American Indian family system, we have lost the benefits of a wholesome community and all they have to offer in cultural diversity and preservation of nature. The side effect of these traumas is; broken homes, dysfunctions and moral decay in communities. In this case, the alarming rate of sexual abuse of children in Native American communities. Whenever, a child is sexually abused, the entire society is affected by the

Over the years, the Native Americans have learned to adapt to the different climates and tried to survive in strange lands. Today, research suggests that poverty, crime, and the health care system on Indian reservations are the reasons why Native Americans are at higher risks for diseases, cancer, and even death. Poverty on the Native American reservations is constantly increasing due to unemployment. The high

The Standing Rock Indian Reservation covers 3,571.9 square miles of North and South Dakota, and is home to 6,171 people. Though Standing Rock has been featured in recent news about the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), corporate invasion of tribal land is not the only issue this or any reservation faces. The people of Standing Rock have seen the graves of their families desecrated and much of their arable land submerged by the construction of the Oahe Dam, do not have access to sufficient clean water, and have an acute need for more housing to be built. Additionally, according to the the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA ERS), based on data from 2015, the Standing Rock Reservation meets criteria that classify it as a food

Jeff Leer's presentation on Native Americans was insightful, with regards to the historical background, culture, and issues that currently impact Native Americans. Although I am not familiar with this population, to an extent I am able to relate to their plight due to my country’s experience with colonization by the British. From a counseling perspective, I do agree with Mr. Leer that when working with this population we should have an understanding of the culture, historical background, value system, and social norms and taboos. Although, we may not be in agreement with some of the beliefs and value system of Native Americans, we have to show sensitivity to their cultural beliefs and practices so as to minimize barriers in the therapeutic

Native Americans had lived in North America long before European settlers. They had free reign of its natural resources and beauty. However, as we all know, this changed. According to the Britannica article, “United States”, “The expansion of agricultural settlement crowded the Native Americans into reservations.” After being taking away from their land, they were forced into reservations. The government now provides benefits for them, but in the past years the government has failed to live up to that expectations. Sadly, reservations are now reportedly being the poorest communities in United States. No, the government should not manage Native American Reservations due to the history of mismanaging