It's good to know that South Dakota is doing something right in regard to the fall celebration of Native People, unlike many of the other states that celebrate rather the arrival of Columbus to the continent. Much more could be done for South Dakota Native peoples, which was in evidence as a friend and I drove out recently to Custer State Park's Buffalo Roundup. One might comment on the place name changes that have occurred over time to eliminate some egregious choices--for example, Black Elk Peak, the highest in the Black Hills. How about dumping Custer from the state park roster?
But I'm thinking more of the abject poverty that still plagues the tribes. Efforts to lift reservation communities from their struggles don't seem to be doing the trick. It's still like a drive through an impoverished country when you approach, and then drive through, places like Pine Ridge. We could do better, both as a nation and a state.
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