Voices of the Oyate

todd becker foundation

2012-02-23T08:31:00.003-06:00

yesterday we wen to an asembally and the topic was drunk dirving the speker had lost his brother in a drunk driving acident h talked about how his brother had "gotten of the narrow path" he was a good kid who was a state champian athleat he was infuenced only by his older brother how was the speker hetold about how he encoraged his brother todd to do thing "live the better life" wich was unfortuamnatally of the narrow pth he kept saying "its only another step its only just another little step" he started at one end of the gym and every time he told us about another bad thing he would take one more step in the other direction and once he had gotten all the way to the other end of the gym crash that was the scean of the reck he showd how everything lead up to that cold febuary night when his brother was the only one killed h walked onto the scean of the acident and saw todds 2 friends fine and smushed in the back of the car was a white body bag his brother todd was dead head caved in his arms and legs broken he never had a chance the back seet were todd was siting was hit by a truck this changed the lie of his older brother he is now "back on the narrow path" but todd spirit will continue to change the lives of many students atthe end he wanted everyone who wanted to "get back on the narro path to come down and join him in tears me and a larg group of friends joined in the group for everyone to see we are commited to getting on and staying on to path

2012-02-23T08:21:00.002-06:00

You know, they say this is a country of equality and freedom. Have you ever realized that really only applies if you're white? I mean if you're African-America, Native American, Asian, Mexican, and the list goes on, they aren't treated the same. I mean they say racism is not a problem in the present day world. "They" are wrong; "They" obviously haven't opened their eyes. This so-called great country that supports "equality" and "freedom to all" has a lot of catching up to do. I'm not saying it's everyone who isn't white isn't treated fairly; I do see that we've come a long way in that area. I'm just saying it's still here, it's well and alive. People are still being treated differently because of the color of their skin, their religion, their culture.
It is a problem but there are more issues this "Great Nation" has. It isn't just that, its society. Society makes it out like this "Everyone is equal and everyone should and will have the same opportunities" So far we're doing good, right? Ok now they say "Only people who work will have great opportunities." Sounds fair, work hard its good deal. Then when you aren't looking or listening they say "Well, we don’t like you because you have black skin or you’re Native American so we don’t think you capable for this job. Hey, we’ll take this guy. He’s not that great or qualified as they were but he’ll do" Who so they pick? I'm pretty sure you'll pick up on it. Society has a way of picking. That’s crazy isn't it?
Now, don't get me wrong I'm with this "Proud to be an American" group. I am. But I'm just saying that we aren't perfect. We judge people for something they can't control, and we break them. Only so we feel like we have control. America is a great country with great people, I'm just saying, we can use some work. We are anything but perfect so this role we try to play as "perfect" is a waste of time. "Perfect is an illusion made up in our heads. And the racism is just as much of a waste! You can't control what you're born into. But you can control how you act. Racism isn't something you're born into, it’s taught. So, we can control it.
I may sound like a crazy teenager who is just ranting about something that people assume is fixed, that I see everyday. It's not that I’m "mad at the world" It's just something that has to be said. I know, it’s been said a million times before. Obviously you weren't listening. So listen now. Get over yourself and your "pride" because judging someone by the color of there skin is ridiculous. That’s like me judging you because you have long nail or short nails, blue shoes or green shoes, anything of the sort. Stupid.

racism

2012-02-23T08:17:00.004-06:00

i think the racism in some of the surounding comunities one in particular but im not going to put the name of the town out ther for world to see so anyway we had a basketball game out ther and of course it had to be in the town so all of the students were ther trowning out racist comments almost like it was just the cool thing to do we have one girl on out team who was runing the baseline and got tripped by one of the high school students who was sitting inthe front row we were fortunite she didnt get hurt but they said things like get thoes indians of the court and they were no better to the white kids they called the white kids indian lovers usually wen they do i resond saying yes i am and they is nothing wrong with it evryone has feelings from native amricans to african americans we are the same so everyone may aswell expt it becuse all people are equl

"Growing Up Online" Response

2012-02-07T08:40:00.002-06:00

Growing Up Online showed a lot of good points. It is hard for a kid that spends most of their time on the computer or cell phone to put it down and do something other then that. I live on my computer. It’s something to keep me occupied when I’m bored. There are a million things you can do. It’s not all necessarily bad. It can be something other then Cyber bullying and predators. Cyber bullying is a problem, so are creepy people who are on the internet. But if you ask me it’s a generation of kids who grow up using technology. My dad can hardly turn a computer on, most kids get a new gadget of some sort and not half would even consider looking at the manual. It takes them less then an hour to figure out how it works and how to play with it. It plays a big part in today’s life. Every where you go there is one way or another some technology involved. The gas station, grocery stores, and at home. It’s just kind of something that you find every where you look and it’s no really something you can avoid. It as a shame the Facebook can take some ones entire social life, or just being online. It’s almost addicting to some people. The constant reminders, and being out of the loop when you choose no to be online. Most of it really seems pointless when you think about it but, making a habbit out of it, you really can’t stop.
The internet plays a huge part in my life, and most people I know. So all in all it’s kind of just a big deal.

Response to the "groqwing up on line"

2012-02-07T08:38:00.002-06:00

Growing up online Has been there since 3rd grade for me. And when I was in 6th grade it was uncool if you didnt have a page on a social network. My old school used to let us us our own assigned computer. And eventually we got to this point were we could hack into the computer and get on sites the school wouldnt let us on. (I know wow thier rebel :P)
But it's true in ways that a teens computer can be the lifeline to thier comfort and serenity. It is for me. I have friends on my accounts that understand me and see exactly what I'm thinking. I know some people are like why don't you try it in the real world and stay away from those unknown scary people. But hey I don't have the gas money to see my friends all the time. And I doubt that any of the kids at my school would take a little bit of time out of their golden years to listen to me rant. (Super glad I have this blog)
But I'm not saying others don't use it for bad things as well. Like their are girls I know personally (kinda wish I didn't) that take pictures that have way too much skin.
Hey, look all I have to say if you don't want your child doing that raise them right and keep them outta the wrong group of friends. Cause most likely they'll do whats right. For sure.

Response to A Class Divided.

2012-01-30T08:10:00.004-06:00

One word for the lady teacher.... AMAZING! She's a visionary, truely extrodinary. She found out how to show children, what videos can't. The feeling of the actual person being discriminated. If everyone knew eachothers feelings I'm guessing we wouldn't have that much violence in the world. The class divided is practicly the world behind color. I think elementary teachers are the biggest impression on a childs personality.
I only say this because a teacher is the person that has the most one on one time with each student. I can honestly say my 3rd grade teacher had the most influence on me. But I am also colored (Native American in case you didn't already know) and people that live in South Dakota can tell weather your a native or just really tan. Which in turn they still discriminate against you and your culture.
We can have our future kids growing up learning to love not hate. Cause in church schools don't they kinda make you into loving god and believing in nothing else but him? (Honestly no offense to anyone who is religious) So why can't the school teach us virtues instead of letting us know that we need insureance instead of a voice of reason. Cause most likely one of your classmates will be a criminal, and he/she could have been different if only somebody cared.
You see dscrimination comes in many different shapes and forms. And it's only in the eyes of the beholder who can really understand whats happening. Most people who have been discrimnated for most part of thier lives can honestly say they are loyal to thier kind of people. But that kindness can be shared, its just every man's choice. Why are we so blind to see, that normal can never be. In every persons life thier is a part thats going to be extrodinary or unusual. Its just life. And im glad she showed those 3rd graders adult feelings before they ever do anything dicriminating.

responce to a class divided

2012-01-29T23:09:00.003-06:00

this was truly an exersize that i dont think evey school could pull of i would be afraide that in our particular high school they would feel how great it was to be on top of the people with blue eys or brown that they would see how great it was to be able to say i am better then the blue eyed people or i am better then the brown eyed people that it would only make people want to be on the top more then the people who were on the bottom would just be waiting for the chance to be on top and then wen all was said and done i think our school would almost be worse with the racism i do know that some would be touched and changed by the expiriance but for the most part i dont think it would work here

Response to Incident at Oglala

2012-01-09T08:50:00.003-06:00

I remember my parents talking about this when i was younger. I don't think it was right because all they were worried about was the two white people that got killed, Nobody cared about the Lakota man that got murdered.

Response to Incident at Oglala (Leonard Peltier Story)

2012-01-04T08:14:00.004-06:00

This video was in a way heart breaking to see how Leonard Peltier was falsely accused and is still in prison. He is in prison until the year 2035 for the 1st degree murder of 2 FBI agents who followed him onto the reservation. What they did do, in my opinion anyway, was defend themselves. Think about it if some stranger in a nice car drove into your town (which was a warzone) uninvited with a gun. What would you do... I know I would defend myself. It is the human way. Not Indian, not white, but any human. The evidence was sparse against Leonard (considering the FBI the scientists and gun professionals could not pin point Leonard directly to killing the FBI agents). The courts continued to find little things to say he was there and he shot the agents, but the physical evidence could not support many of the claims against him even when another man only being called "Mr. X" came forward saying he killed them. They still have Leonard locked up...you know something I will be 38 by the time he gets out of prison. He will be in his 80s so if anyone out there reading this knows the family of Leonard Pelteir we are hopeful that he returns home soon and he will be forever.

New Year :D And some thoughts about my race.

2012-01-02T13:03:00.006-06:00

Ok! So it's a new year. Time to start over again. I'm just looking forward to spring and the summer. (just for the rain nothing else :D) What are you looking forward to? Me I'm just going to "live in the moment" but I do want to grow my hair out. For school.... I just want to pass the 9th grade.
Ok besides all this mumbo jumbo. I watched a video with the journalism class today about what happened after the Wounded Knee stand off. It was pretty sad. I would've cried if not for the fact that I'm used to it. I mean I grew up learning that in every story, every part of history, my people are always the ones mistreated and killed. It used to be sad like when I was 5 years old. But now it's just too common that the Traditional Native dies. Technically this is OUR country and everyones illegal. They should know that this is genocide. And the UN should take it up on the US and tell them this is almost as bad as Libya. Children were killed brutally when they set foot on our land. I mean they did the same thing to Africa making them slaves, But they got their country back. We didn't...we're an endangered species of human. We're probably up there with the myans and the atlantians in the lists of "the soon to be missing".
If however we do disappear then maybe just maybe we'll finally get noticed. So if we're gone and you're here reading this...they had a choice. We couldn't help ourselves cause we we're the ones with actual hearts. I can't understand people who think the world disappears after you leave. And that there aren't consequences to the actions they display or the words that they say. This is all coming from me, a 15 year old girl at school living on the reservation, obviously a human. And I can see what a whole room of congress is blind to.

Native Americans in the Media.

2011-12-19T08:13:00.003-06:00

Native Americans in the media is a sketchy subject. I mean now days there isn't much to tell, but if we talk about the "Cowboys and Indians" the classic tales of Cowboy, he who usually in every show beats the "bad guy Indian." And not only that, but most of the time is wasn't even a real Native American! It was a white guy painted "Indian Red." It would be a lie if I said I didn't cheer for the Cowboys when I watched the old films and shows with my grandparents. But it was hard no to. They showed the Natives as bad people, like they were villains and the Cowboys was the hero. They might have had a lot wrong about the Indians, but they sure did know how to persuade people. A blessing and a curse. I will say though, for the time being, they were very crafty at doing it to. Some say they were even crafty enough to have some Native Americans cheering for the cowboys.
Again it's a sketchy subject. Because after all, they did basically take an entire race of people and put a stereotype in eveyone's head about them, using live television. some of those stereotypes are stll alive today. The sad part of that one is that once people are labeled in today's society, it's pretty hard to get a new one and Native Americans have had the role of "the Bad Guy" on the big screen of a mighty long time. And getting that stereotype put back in the box is hard enogh, there are about a thousand more to eliminated after that. So, it can be tough to think of an actual Native American in the media sometimes and not think of the classic "Cowbos and Indians" stereotype.

LNI

2011-12-19T08:07:00.008-06:00

Wow, LNI best time of the year. I hung out with my friends and family. It's like the NBA but for the reservations. We all get together and have a lot of fun and laughs. I even met some cousins I never met before. Our school got to go home Champions of the whole thing! It was truley amazing. I'm glad for our boys, I mean thier hard work paid off. I couldn't be there for all the games.But I still watched them onTV and listened to the games on the radio.
LNI is short for Lakota Nation Invetational. Besides Basket Ball we have other categories we can win at to represent our schools. Like Wresteling, Hand games, Art, Quiz Bowl, and many more. Our school is also a big hit in the arts. I can truley say i a Proud to be a White River Tiger. (I dont care what the other schools call us) #TIGERNATION!

Lakota Nation Invitational basketball tournament...

2011-12-19T08:07:00.006-06:00

Well I had a great weekend overall, playing basketball . We got 8th out of 16 teams. We could have did way better, all 3 of the games we lost were really close games. We won or 1st game against Custer. Our 2nd game we played Crow Creek but lost by 10 points. Our 3rd game we played Red Cloud and lost by like 6 points. Our last game we played Saint Frances and lost by 4 points. But overall we played hard and never gave up. I think we should have won our last 2 games, because we were ahead the hole game, unlit the end. But its OK though. We always have next year. I hope we do even better next year, because its going to be my senior year. But i love my team. Over the years we grew so close like a family. We had a lot of ups and downs together, but we never gave up on each other. I know i can always count on them. They are all like sisters to me now. The bond we share is going to last for a long time. Next year we are going to lose our only senior. And i am going to miss her so much. To be completely honest i think its going to feel kind of weird not being able to play with her next year. So i want to make this basketball season the best it can be. =))

after LNI

2011-12-19T08:06:00.003-06:00

LNI was alot of fun. It was 15 native schools (well and one school whose entire team was white so how they got to come I have no idea). Our boys team battled for first place with them and came out victorious clearing out the other school 69 to 32. It was cool because the last 5 min our coach put the JV team out on the floor to finish out the tournament. We are happy that the only injury we had on our team was a wrist which was an old injury. When he fell it was sore again but I expect him the be playing again come out next game. A boy from Todd County (who was actually my classmates brother) hurt his knee when he dove for the ball along with the largest and quickest from White River. Our boy got out of it without even a bruise. I don’t imagine the Todd County boy will be playing for a while. As far as I know, that was the worst of it and when u are playing 1 game a day for 4 days that’s pretty good. Our girls ended up with 6th I do believe which isn’t too bad. We played hard we won the knowledge bowl. We also got many awards for art all. All and all, a great success from white river at the LNI tournament

LNI

2011-12-15T08:12:00.003-06:00

So this week is LNI (Lakota Nation Invitational) which is a huge basketball tournament in Rapid City. It also has a quiz bowl, archery, and art contests. It spans over 4 days and people who go have a lot of fun. They take 5 starting varsity, 5 bench people, 2 stat keepers, and a ball girl / boy. For art, our teacher brings about 10 to compete. Our school only has 2 or 3 competing in archery and about 20 in the quiz bowl. Since we have a basketball team going, that also means our 3 cheerleaders (which also compete) are there. All the spectators that go watch left us with 100 some students yesterday. There were only 38 kids in school and today so we have study hall all day because teaching us something new and then reteaching it to the 60+ people that aren't here would be almost pointless. I have taken advantage of this and am just relaxing with the few friends have left after everyone left.

My Veiw On The End Of The World

2011-12-06T13:12:00.004-06:00

The end of the world. Sounds a little bit dramatic there right? Well believe it or not. Somethings going to happen (I'm assuming) I've listened to many theroies from Nostradamus, but they've been proven wrong also. But there must be something big about to happen right? I mean everybody talks about it, they have a code/profit about it in every religion. It's kinda crazy/scary if you read too much into it like me. But anyways whether you think it or not theres always something big on its way.
But if there were to be an actual WW3 Where on earth would I be? Where would you be? Possibly under a rock? Possibly meeting the chaos head-on? In a cave? In a morgue...the possiblities are hard and cold.
But thier are others that say it will be a good change. That thiers going to be peace and Rejuvenation. But you never know...till the day someone can predict the future 100% accurate, no questions asked, then I'll believe. But untill then we're just going to be patient and live "In the moments" Thats as much as I can give.

Self post on music.

2011-11-30T13:02:00.006-06:00

Well lets just start off as, I have variations of my taste in music. I have a favorite song in every genre. (I think) I know that people have "Wars" in the music industry. Where they pick whos awesome and who absolutly sucks. Sometimes it ends friendships, and sometimes it makes them. Hey I have friends who are the closest to me because of my taste in music.
Here just to prove I like some songs in different genres heres some:
Pop:Rollin in the Deep by Adele
Dance:Kiss and Tell by Ke$ah
Rock:Teenagers by My Chemical Romance
Metal:The Gunsling by Black Veil Brides
Country:Why don't you stay Rebah
Alternative:Flightless Bird American Mouth by Iron and Wine
R&B:Halo by Beyonce
Soul:Take a Bow by Rihanna
Rap:How to Love by Lil' Wayne

I kind of have a favorite genre as of right now....it's Metal. But many people have favorites but when they start fighting about whos better than who. I mean thier a Band/Artist they probably worked hard for the passion they love. The music industry isn't a nice friend. So cut what ever you think is bad horrible or good cause people obviously love them (If thier huge or mildly huge stars) And I think the videos that people make "Anti-Whatever" Obviously thier minds haven't grown past elementry. Those videos are useless who cares if you don't like them, sorry no ones made for everyone and the vidoes are just pathetic. And there has to be one song thats slightly ok to listen to from the band you hate. (Except if its all auto-tunned technically it's not music. And it ruins the art of the singers voice.) Whats not to like?

responce to we shall remain

2011-11-23T08:39:00.008-06:00

This video was defiantly not the history book lesson as told by the immigrants, but truly what happened through native american eyes like unfair trade and being sent to England as slaves. Do you think that is fair? Well I certainly don't. Taking people away from their families and killing Indians just because they were defending their land and their rights. They fought for what was rightfully theirs and through the years i have seen TV shows and movies were white people would yell Indian attack and a bunch of "Indians" would come out of the bushes for no reason and the white people would start killing them. Never once have i seen the Indians win after everything was said and done and the immigrants would wonder why they were attacked. Mabey it because you stole their land and killed more buffalo than you needed. If we all lived like the old natives did, using every part of the buffalo and not taking resources you didn't need, maybe the world would be a cleaner place. well anyway i kind of drifted, my point is is that every story has two sides...the pilgrims version (the only one yo will ever find in any history book) and the Indian version.

"We Shall Remain" Response

2011-11-23T08:36:00.005-06:00

You know, the video was interesting. But it all kind of goes back to my post before. The story book version of Thanksgiving is great and all, but what about the rest? I mean, we all heard the epic tale of how the settlers and Natives were friends, but the sun came up and reality set in. I just don't understand what was going through the settlers' heads. I mean the Natives could've destroyed them at the start of it all. But they didn't. The were kind they taught them their ways and were nothing but kind. And how did the settlers thank them? Well, lets start with they took their land, cut their hair, made them worship a god they didn’t believe in, and killed them. I really don't remember reading that I my story book, did you? And again I understand little kids shouldn’t know all of the murder and the things that can make a little mind go sour. But they can at least read about how not everything was a fairytale.
There isn’t always a happy ending, this one just happened to be one of the bad. I'm still not totally sure how this happened. I mean who honestly can take that many people, see the looks on their faces, and take their lives? Take their home, their food, and the way they live? The Natives may not have been living the "perfect" white man life. But they were happy and living their own life, in their own way. It just goes to show, you can't trust everyone. No matter how loyal or nice they seem. You have to watch your back.

Blog Possties

2011-11-17T08:52:00.005-06:00

Well I need another grade so I'll talk about growing up here. Well i grew up in a rough neigborhood for part of it. The other part I lived out in the country on a dirt road with only my brothers and parents. I have gone to 3 different schools in my whole life. I have lived in 5 different Cities/ Towns. But so far I've noticed that in every town i go to theirs always diferent people, attitudes, and opportunities.
Well I grew up in Mission. I think my attitudes based on my elementary teachers. I always looked up to them, and my favorite memories are from that age. So if you want to impact alot of childrens lives, be a teacher. :) Any way I used to go to work with my step-dad alot that taught me how to keep working and dont stop till the job is done. Cause then you'll get the money. Or so my dad said.
I've lived in Mission my whole life. Well until I moved in 6th grade to Winner. Now this is where i got bullied, a lot. I used to get picked on by girls younger than me, they used to make fun of my skin color or how I dressed. I never understood why they had to pick on me. They were also Native Americans too, so why make fun of me? These were dark, lonesome days. But this is when I really got into music. I think music is the most beautiful thing on this planet. Also when i got into dark poetry. My friends there were pretty dark themselves, but i still love them like crazy :)
But eventualy my mom didnt like that so we moved to Norris. Norris is where all my loved ones are at. Also where it's the most isolated place to be :\ But I went to White River Middle School to kill off my 8th grade year. I have been here for 2 years and I just love my friends. I have some crazy memories and this place helped me be myself again. I know this sounds corny but, do I have to care, I think this place is going to be permanent. (hopefully)
This summer me and my parents tried out the city life. It's fun for living your life, all these things to do, places to go, people you meet. But finacialy, its expensive. My parents couldn't make it work so we just took a step back. And now I'm back where White River's craziness keeps me going. :)
So there iss me growing up. Lessons learned. After Winner however, I never judge a person for how they: look, smell, talk, dress, or what kind of music they listen to. Anythings loveable in this world. People just need to look past the obvious and find the unordinary. My saying is if a person don't like me, then simply don't talk to me. I don't know whats not to like, but I don't want to start any conflict.

my day

2011-11-17T08:41:00.004-06:00

I wake up at 6:30 and get ready for school. I have to come at 7:30 because i am in a middle school high school choir (Mondays and Tuesdays) and also a jazz band (Wednesday and Thursday). First quarter I came early every day for all state choir practice. All state is something every school in the state of south dakota join. Every school has to bring a soprano (me) alto tenor and a bass. We had alot of fun and im hoping to make it again next year. anyway after that i go to journalism which is were i am now. Aside from the blog, we do the year book and student spotlight. Next is PE. I love it because i am an athlete and it is nice to get up and move for a while. then it is science we do alot of labs lately about atoms. after that is band where i play the trumpet. then chorus. Our choir is only about 15 people. Then lunch...nothing too exciting, but there was a fight down there the other day. then i go to grammar and writing. Now this class is well interesting for reasons u have to be there to understand. then study hall where me and my friend are usually doing projects or sleeping. then last is algebra 1 where i am in it with my friend who i guess is more like a brother and epic moo pekachu so as u can imagine we have alot of fun.

The Reservation...

2011-11-17T08:37:00.009-06:00

There ain't much here on the rez, but its home to me. This is where i lived all my life. I don't know if i would want to live here forever, but its always going to be the place i feel most comfortable living. The land is beautiful here, there are so many hills and trees. At night when you look up in the sky, u can see everything so clearly. The thing i love the most is in the summer, when me and my dad ride horses through the hills all day long. When we get home, my mom has dinner ready for us. I love spending time wit my family and keeping busy because it keeps me out of trouble.
It would take me a while to get used to living the city life because there is people everywhere and its always loud, the houses are too close together. When you look up at the sky at night in a city, u cant see the moon or all the stars! && thats what sucks the most.

Why I Would Come Back.

2011-11-17T08:37:00.007-06:00

Leaving WR is great and all, but I really don't think I can see myself living anywhere else. Yeah, after highschool I'll have to move to go to college. But I will always come home. Family, friends, and my life is basicaly IN WR. I think it is safe to say that even when I grow up, as much as I plan to leave and not come back, I will come home, You can't just up and leave someplace you spent your entire life. I think it's just the feeling of knowing there is a whole other world out there you can always go out and explore. I mean the world is a big place, but WR will always be there for me to go back to. It's not a place I want to live my ENTIRE life, but it's a nice place to grow up. I mean the weather is nice, the people aren't perfect but it's close enough I guess.
Leaving is a nice thought though. Change, something new, new people, something other then what i'm used to. I mean it's the constant always being the same routine in WR that gets old. I mean it's the same, just a new day. I would like t go somewhere where it changes al the time, there isn't day after day routines that never change. But here's the twist, if I don't like it, there is home where you can control some of those things in your life. To me that's worth going back for. I don't think a lot of people can just leave WR and never want to come back. It's the people that make you wan't to stay. The scenery, it's perfect.
So coming back, may not be as bad as people make it out to be.

Response to The Canary Effect

2011-11-14T19:39:00.005-06:00

You know, I learned a lot. I also want to point out, remember (back in 1-5 grade?) when they talked about the pilgrims, Columbus, and the Native Americans all being friends and accepting each other? Well, I guess we missed the ending. And this one wasn't happy. I get that kids shouldn't hear about scalping and murders, but if you think about it... aren't the stories a bit of a lie? Sure they might have been cool with each other to begin with, that's the truth and all, but what about when they turned on the Natives? Columbus "discovered" this great land? I really liked the part when the speaker said "It's like me walking into your living-room and claiming it because I have never been there. So, I discovered, and it's mine now." Because that is exactly what happened.
I mean don't get me wrong, it was all fine and dandy learning about all the happy times Columbus had, but when did the teacher plan to tell us the end? That this is how the Native Americans were treated? The sad part is, even today, Native Americans don't always get treated right. And it all falls back on this "Great Country" of ours. I don't mean to sound out of place or anything, I am grateful for what I have and where live. But the things that happen often go untold. It is just a bit sad to see, you know?

Response to The Canary Effect...

2011-11-10T08:14:00.003-06:00

I liked this video. Everything they said about how this is a third world country, is so true. It is every hard for my people to get good jobs, just for the simple fact that we are Native American. We get judged a lot, by the people who don't know about us, and some don't care enough to ask and listen. If people would take the chance to listen to what we have to say then they could learn a lot.

Some people think we have it easy on the reservation, which is not true at all! I bet the people who think that, wouldn't be able to live here. Life is hard on the rez. Nobody would understand unless they lived here to witness things that we all had witnessed.

I would like to get off the reservation for a while and go to college and try to get a good job. Even though we don't have much here, the reservation is always going to be the place I call home.

The canary effect

2011-11-08T08:53:00.002-06:00

I learned a lot from this video. It’s amazing what peoples heads are still filled with like Columbus should be celebrated and that things were fair between the explorers and the Indians.

The explorers were more like intruders if u ask me. They came in bearing gifts and promises. Promises of which, for the most part, never came true. The Indians were using only what they needed and nothing more and preserving what they had. Then came the travelers in search of a new world and discovered what was already occupied. Columbus stated in one of his journal entries "They should be good servants.... I, our Lord being pleased, will take hence, at the time of my departure, six natives for your Highnesses." Why? They are people too and I don’t see the reason for taking them as slaves. They are smart with the land and a lot could be learned from them. That would make more sense to me.

The Indians were not in search of trouble, or causing any harm as much as getting pulled into what would soon become a never-ending war.

Response to The Canary Effect

2011-11-08T08:31:00.009-06:00

Ok first off whoever made this video is a freaking genius! It has almost all our broken treaties our public embarrassment. And the laughs from our so-called trusted political authority. They only show you what they want you to see from reservations. It's a third world country like the guy explains in the video. My third world country. There's times I felt like crying cause most of the bad stuff is gracing its fingers in the path of my life. I, just like many others here, just wants to be successful in my life like the other non-rez kids do.

Its hard to know that a big political figure could say we're mooching off them! We don't even have as many casinos compared to other races. I mean I have nothing against anybody. Its just if your going to slowly destroy a race... you might as well be short, grow a funny-looking mustache and call yourself Hitler. Its a mini holocaust down here now that I think of it. malnourished kids, over worked and barely paid parents, depressed humans everywhere. I can't compare us that close to the holocaust because the holocaust was way more awful.

Anyway back to the point. Our gaming system, or whatever, pshh like we see any of that money! If we did however I wouldn't be on this blog telling you about our money shortage, food prices, schooling, and our horrible history. If we could just get the young folks attention about our struggle and how badly we're treated as individuals. Then maybe we can have help in the future.

Please listen any try to help. I gotta wrap this up now. There's my post.

Canary Effect

2011-11-07T10:06:00.000-06:00

We watched this documentary in class on Monday and that is what the students are responding to:

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+canary+effect&view=detail&mid=1F0575EE082CA530624F1F0575EE082CA530624F&first=0&FORM=LKVR1

2011-11-03T08:35:00.006-05:00

Hmm... Well today I need to post. So I'll just write about how my epic days go. First off I have to wake up at 6:00 A.M. I have 45mins to get ready before I get on the 1hr bus ride from Norris to White River. And the too small bus is always packed with kids. Literally, there's always like 3 to 4 kids sitting in the aisle. I’m one of the lucky ones who get on the bus pretty early so I get a seat of my choice. But most of the high school kids are gone. (All whom suspended for reasons of which I cannot talk about) Me the way suffice this is why I have my trusty mp3 player :)

But by the time we get to school it 7:40? Some go eat breakfast. Me, myself I don’t eat in the mornings I’m not sure why, but I sit with my friends and pretty much goof around. (Today I got dragged in the hallway :) But by the time we start to get out of hand the bell rings. And it’s off to the class I’m in right now. (Just to be in the matter of fact tone) JOURNALIZM!!! This is only a class of 4: EPIC (me), JOJO, LENE, EMMA, and MR.CLARK. That’s the posse: P

Then I have my other classes. I really like science class, grammar and writing 1, and algebra1. No I’m not a nerd (I wish) but I only like these classes because the people in them and the things I say or do. I wouldn’t know if you’d want to be in a class room with me after lunch XD.

Oh yeah lunch!! Well for lunch they let us go to town, home or the schools cafeteria. Edda (my friend) and I go to town:)! We usually buy monsters or sweet stuff (

Epic loves you

Foster Families

2011-11-02T08:28:00.002-05:00

Here we have a lot of kids in foster care;one of my old friends is and she moves from home to home never wants to stay there. I know one family who has 5 kids ranging from 3-7 years old. I love them they are so nice, however none of the kids are related. All were taken away from their family, their brothers and sisters for all they know they may never see them again. Why? I don’t know but they are all native living with a white couple. I never thought about it. Now they have a good life with this family, however I do believe they would rather stay with family. I know I would.

It seems like for the most part all my native classmates are related so why cant the ones in need of a new home find one within their family?

Resonse to The Foster Care

2011-11-02T08:24:00.005-05:00

I never knew anyone that went to foster care, but i know kids that don't have good homes to live in. The environment ain't good, there parents just neglect them. I think its wrong how some people can bring a child into this world, then not care for them.
I have amazing parents, they are so loving and they are always there for me. they mean the world to me! i wish all the kids that don't have good lives when they were younger, grow up to be wonderful parents. They should all want to give their children the life that they never had. Every child should know that they are always have there parents to be there for them and love them. -lene.w.w

Response to The Foster Care assignment

2011-11-02T08:21:00.006-05:00

I had a friend who was in foster care, I met her while playing behind my mom's house when I was staying with her for a weekend. There were two little girls. We were best friends, I spent every weekend with them. It was hard to get us apart. I went to my mom's one weekend and asked to play with them. She sat me down and said I couldn't. She was put in foster care. That ended our days of play and I didnt really have friends where my mom lived. It was hard, I haven't had contact with that freind since I was told she left.
It makes me wonder how many kids go through that. Coming home and a friend or even a family member is just gone. It may seem like a good thing to other people, but it's sad. Think about being taken from every one and everything you know. I don't know many kids in foster care, so it's hard for me to understand what they go through.
And most of them aren't put with their families. They go to strangers, and they get shipped around all the time. They say foster care is for the best, but I'm pretty sure moving from family to family isn't exactly a 'Stable Living Enviroment.' I may just be a kid, but I know well enough some things just don't change. People get taken "For the better" but it's not always for the better. It's personal feelings.
I'm just sad I never got my goodbye. But that's life, huh? you get whats thrown at you in all hopes you can deal with it. "You can't change your situation, you can only change how you choose to deal with it."

Realities of Foster Care

2011-11-01T12:53:00.002-05:00

Most of my friends growing up were in foster care. All the fostered children I’ve met aren’t bad, nothing like that. When they're around the foster parents they seem hesitant about every thing they do.

I had a close friend (she was Native American like me) in 6^th grade that moved to our school because her foster parents moved out of state. She had to stay at a church with her older brother until they had a foster family to keep them.

Fostered children are very common here. (Now that I think of it, most of the bad things are common as well). It’s a daily basis you hear of/ meet foster children. But they never stay with relatives (The ones I met anyway) and no one understands why. I’m very sure the government does though. :/

I have however faced the reality of being in a foster home, but only cause a very obnoxious woman didn’t like my family. I nor my family never really understand why she’s like that. But no one but god (or whatever is out there) knows the answers to these questions.

But anyway back to the point. My friend eventually found a white foster parent to take care of her. (Way on the other side of the state!) We bid our goodbyes with tears in our eyes. I and other friends spent every minute with her that whole day. That is until that car, which seemed extraterrestrial, drove away and left nothing. Not even a shadow behind.

To me the thing about foster kids are… you never really know if that’s the last time you ever get to see them alive. I realize it’s hard for them to keep contact if their always moving, always having to change to adjust. That was the last time I have ever heard of or seen her.

Most of the time, I can understand the misunderstood. So if you ever see a foster child, be a friend and make life a bit easier to move along with. And to you foster kids out there, remember where you came from, the good and best parts from there. And like Black Veil Brides say, “Listen closely. Just keep working. No one can tell you who you are.”

Sports

2011-10-26T08:54:00.002-05:00

Things are getting more exciting now as volleyball/ football season are winding down and basketball season is starting up. But before basketball, our volleyball team is going into districts in 1^st chair which basically means we have the best season record in the district. I really hope we make it to state again. We have gone in the past and got 4^th. Hopefully this year we do the same or better. Either way we are proud of them for being #1.

In football I believe we are 2^nd or 3^rd. Just last night we hosted a playoff game here and won. It was truly one of our most intense games yet. Now next week we travel to a team who is roughly 4 hours away from us. I don’t know how we have done in state before but hopefully we go all the way. I’m truly proud to be a Tiger.

Reaction to Windmill Guy

2011-10-26T08:43:00.002-05:00

Well first off it’s amazing how this guy made this windmill just by looking at the picture. I wouldn’t know how to even comprehend what half the things in the picture are supposed to be. With barely any schooling and without instructions to help him, this guy manages to generate electricity.

Smart people like that will lead us into either enormous revolution or a rebellion. Rebellion, because wars could get deadlier and higher prices on life essentials could also cause riots. Or revolution, in our technology for tomorrow. If the whole world is on the same page, in technology, who knows what peace or new lifestyle we can create.

We visually have two roads to follow towards the future. American and the rest of the world just has to choose the right one.

If we had people like that down here I bet our tiny world, called the rez, would be a whole lot better. That’s my reaction to the magnificent “Windmill guy” <3 PikaChu

If we had national attention

2011-10-26T08:36:00.001-05:00

If we could get national attention for problems here I think we would use it to help kids stay in school. That is definitely a problem in my opinion. We have a lot of kids who are constantly late or not even here. If you’re not at school, you can’t learn the lesson. Possibly helping to make homes more stable for kids some of my 14 year old friends basically raise their younger siblings who are most of the time not even out of diapers yet. So maybe some new cheaper daycare on the reservations so the kids don’t have to go home and watch the baby.

I think we could also use some help getting rid of drugs. There have been quite a few of my classmates who were super nice… when they were sober but now when they are drunk or high they simply don’t show up to school, volleyball , basket ball, or football games. It really is sad because most of these kids could be straight A students but their attendance is so poor they can’t move on to the next grade.

Response to 'windmill' Prompt

2011-10-20T21:21:00.003-05:00

Ways that we could help change things for future generations? Well, as a older figure for a lot of young children I could be a good role model. Little kids are like the saying "Monkey see, Monkey do." It's human nature. We do as we see weather it be good or bad. So many of the times I see it happen in the bad. I work with kids from the ages 1-7 on a daily bases, they often say they want to be like me when they grow up! It's hard for me to take in that kids want to be like me! I am only 15, so being the person they want to be like it's a high demand I be the good kid and show them that's what to do.
The guy in the video took the time and effort, he made a dream into a reality. Changing the future is possible with every action, every word spoken, and every dream created. It just depends on how bad you want it. How hard you work. Changing things for future generations isn't as hard as people make it look. Just smile, say please and thank-you, and do what you're told. It's a start, a mighty fine start. And kids are out future, so starting with them is a golden source.
"The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do." Are you crazy enough?

Response to Children of The Plains

2011-10-19T21:03:00.003-05:00

I didn't know how to react at first. I mean, I live a sheltered life. I have never had to go through any thing the kids in the video did. I had my moments when watching the video I wanted to break down and cry. But then again, I wanted to help them. Even though I don't know how. Sometimes we all see things we wish we could help. But we cant. So, things we want to do become, we wish we would have.
When I first heard of 20/20 doing this my first thought was they are going to make it seem like the reservations are bad and do what most programs do when the cover stories around reservations. It shocked me they actually took the time to search for the good. The reservations might not be perfect, but they offer so many talented kids. People often don't see that. They see the troubles and hardship, It doesn't always take a lot to see the light that can shine in a child's hard life. I mean the video featured a lot of sad, but it also showed the dreams and aspirations that the kids had. They made the best of what they had.
It reminds you that not everyone has the life of material things. People will always have it worse then what you think. They smile with what they have, not with what they want.

Prompt

2011-10-19T08:59:00.000-05:00

I had the students watch this video and we discussed ways that they could help change things for future generations. The students then posted their thoughts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arD374MFk4w

response to children of the plains

2011-10-17T13:27:00.002-05:00

I thought that Children of the Plains thing on 20/20 seemed ... Okay. It got most of the stuff right, but there were cameras there & most of the bad people possibly change because of the fame of actually being on T.V. to make themselves look good.I mean its good they changed entirely. But you never know.

As for me, I live with 11 people in a 5 bedroom house. I also live close to the area so I know how it is to live in those conditions. It gets better if you’re lucky, but if you’re not lucky, it turns out to be the same thing (Bad/good) every single day for the rest of your life.

I got teary-eyed when the little girl lost her dad. And she doesn’t know what’s going on because she can’t feel true sadness yet because she’s so young. Also the other little girl tried to commit suicide (she’s as old as my little brother!!) it just makes me think. She’s so young but knows so much already.

Most of the houses I see look like all of the ones in the video. Some of my best friends live in worse conditions than the video displays. And I know somebody that lives in a 2 bedroom house with 6 people living together. I know what you’re thinking. How can somebody live like that? Why can’t they get a job? How can they live without privacy? Ok, one they try to survive. Two, tell us were we can get jobs cause there isn’t any down here for people with our education. Three, that’s a thing u have to give up if you want to survive or at least cope with everything.

There are many things in that video the hit the nail. But there are always missing pieces. Like a movie to the book it originated from. Well that’s my post.

My Response to Suicide...

2011-10-17T13:04:00.003-05:00

Suicide is a huge problem on the reservation, and as long as I can remember it always has been. I could have lost some of my closest friends and relatives due to suicide. I always wanted to know why they tried it, but then again I didnt want to know. Just thinking about it makes all those feelings of saddness, anger, confusion and the pain I felt all come back to me.

I remember when i was in middle school, it was a tuesday afternoon. When I got out of school my parents were waiting for me in the parking lot. I could tell something was wrong. My mom said that she had something to tell me, she said that my cousin hung himself that day. I was in shock and I was in denial. I didn't want to believe that my cousin had done that to himself. Everytime I think of him, all I remeber is how happy of a person he was, how he could be having the worst day but still manage to make you smile. And thats how I always going to remember him.

Everyone has their own opinion about suicide. but it can affect everyone's life the same way.

Response to Suicide

2011-10-13T14:30:00.004-05:00

Suicide is a big worry for me...not so much me, but my friends. About 2 years ago, I lost a good friend from when I was younger. I hadn’t seen him for about 5 years but still just hearing about his death brought a tear to my eye. I didn’t know him very well but he was still someone from my past. It is sad that I had forgotten about him until that suddenly dark summer day when his uncle stopped by our house delivering the tragic, unexpected news of our late friend's passing.

What scares me the most is he was the same age I am now and all that’s left of him are photos and footprints.

Just recently I had a friend who was very close to me tell me on a seemingly dark Thursday morning that he was going to kill himself that Friday if things didn’t change by then. I tried to talk him out of it he didn’t want to listen to me. So I went to my next class crying and my friend asked what was wrong so I told her and she insisted she take me to see his guardian who is a school teacher. From there she took me to talk to the principle and he told me to talk to the counselor. Then I didn’t see him for the rest of the day. He went to talk to some suicide prevention people who must have convinced him not to for he is still among us. But the worry will always remain.

My reaction to suicide :)

2011-10-13T13:33:00.006-05:00

Hmmm… suicide. Well I’ve seen it, heard it and I try to cope with it. I’m from the rez; it’s a common as gangs. Most of the suicides I see are because of love or rape. (In the death letters)

Just last month I went to two funerals, both of suicide, and both very young (16 and 20 years old). One was my cousin. The other was my best-friends ex-boyfriend. It’s always sad and hurtful even if you didn’t know them as well. But I never ask myself “why?” because it’s only in respect for the deceased to let it be and hurt inside.

I never knew my friend (at my cousin’s funeral) could cry so sadly. He has grown up a lot since then. My best friend was destroyed when she found out about her ex. I knew she burned inside, but she was strong and hid it inside. But I’ve seen losses and I’ve had a few, I’m proud of her strength.

There’s nothing on this reservation, nothing to live for. I think most young people are scared that they will fail in life, so they have the urge to take their life. That’s only my theory. I can’t speak for everyone here.

Me myself I wouldn’t try to commit (my life in general sucks but...) I can’t stand with even the thought of not existing. (0.0)It’s frightening to be thought of as nothing. Even not as human at the very least. And too many on the verge of suicide and are depending on me to help them walk it out.

As far as I can tell one death turns into another. Some people just can’t live without certain family members. I feel for those in hard times. I help, at times, with advice and comforting companionship. But you can’t talk everyone out of it.

“The old are getting older and watch the young men die.” Hollywood Undead. That quote really spoke to me. This world is changing and suicides just a fact in life. To everyone who’s on “the edge”. Everyone’s life isn’t perfect. Were all messed up in a way and even the perfect & popular people :/ have issues at home & their social lives. So be happy and live life to the max. Who cares what others say? Woo hoo J

Suicide Article

2011-10-13T08:42:00.000-05:00

I had the students read this article and we discussed it for some time. I asked them to write their thoughts on the situation and what, if anything, can make it better.

Here is the original article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/09/us/09suicide.html

Opinions on Columbus/Native American Day

2011-10-12T08:52:00.001-05:00

What Columbus/Native American Day means to me? Well, it could mean a lot of things. But I’m not really sure on what it means in general, let alone my own opinion. I have heard so many different stories and versions of “What really happened” True or false, but personally to me it’s most likely a day to try and figure out what happened and my opinions on it I guess.

For starters, most people know it as Columbus Day, not usually Native American Day. If a person knew what exactly they wanted to call this one day, I’d most likely understand just a bit more to it. Second, can someone know what something means to them if they’ve never been taught the real meaning? I mean say someone wasn’t taught about Thanksgiving for example. Would they know what to be thankful for? They wouldn’t understand what we were celebrating. Third, would it be right to just say the same thing the last person said, hoping you’ll understand what they meant? It’s like a mystery book that never gets solved. It searches and searches but in the end it’s left unfinished. You need to understand the point you coming from so you can solve you mystery. If you don’t know what point you started, It won’t make any sense.

So Columbus/Native American Day means to me, that in all honesty I should read, and do a bit of research to learn more about it.

Response to Native American Day

2011-10-12T08:51:00.001-05:00

To me Columbus Day/ Native American day is a way to remember all of the Native Americans who died or were killed in the 1400-1500s.

I don’t believe it was at all fair to enslave the Natives, considering all they did for the new travelers. They supplied food for the travelers and took care of them. They weren’t bothering anyone all they were doing was trying to survive. The Natives didn’t go looking for fights but got pulled into them all they did was traded goods and supplied food.

So I don’t think Christopher Columbus should have his own day in the US. Native American Day should be the one on the calendar.

my reflection on colombus day

2011-10-12T08:35:00.000-05:00

Columbus Day should be abolished or be nationally known as Native American day. Columbus was a very cruel man, going to a land that of which he did not own. He slaughtered and captured innocent people. It should just be Native American day nothing else. It shouldn't be a holiday if not called Native American day.

They have black history month. So let us have at the very least a day. The rest of the holidays are for everyone. So let us have a day to call our own.

And that is my reflection on Columbus Day.

2011-10-11T08:14:00.000-05:00

People always have some different story about how Native Americans live. Some often ask some weird questions, like “Do Native Americans still live in Tipi’s?” No we do not live I tipi’s, we live in houses just like the rest of you.

Being a Native American woman, I realize that my people have to deal with racism throughout our lives. It isn’t easy not letting it get go and not getting upset, but it's life. There isn’t much you could do about it, because people are going to say whatever they want to say. I was always taught to stick up for myself and my family and for what I believe in.

I’m glad I have people in my life like my friends and family. Family is very important in Lakota culture. You learn to protect each other, defend each other and respect each other. We learn stuff about our culture from our grandparents and our parents. That way we can grow up and teach our children and the can teach their children.

Introduction: Epic Moo Pikachu

2011-10-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

Hello my name is Epic Moo Pikachu. I am from the rez. (A.K.A Rosebud Native American Reservation) I am freshman that lives in Norris, South Dakota. I attend White River High School. Calm down I know this is a lot to take in but, you’ll get used to it J

I am a female, Native American, fifteen year old. My family and I are very traditional in most of what we do. No, we don’t still live in tipis like most of you out there think K(Huge stereo-type)

I have 10 cousins I currently live with, all boys. I also have two little brothers who are greatly annoying. That’s not all of my family on one side I have 201 cousins\nieces or nephews. Too many of whom I don’t know the names.

But anyway beyond that I love the arts. I have full respect for any shape or form of art. Whether it be: music, paintings, pictures, dance, or tradition. Me I enjoy mostly everything I put down. (I’m a huge rock\metal\alternative fan in music)

Okay ima wrap this up on “I am a very strange person and, I hope you will like my blog entries. I’m a very real person and sadly I tell it like it is. I don’t like to sugar coat it” Epic Moo Pikachu OUT!! JJJ

Introduction

2011-10-06T08:31:00.001-05:00

I’m a 14 year old girl from White River population 500 (on a good day). My friends here are mostly Native American. But not me. Although I am different I have been accepted by most of the people. I have many friends of many different colors. People from other places sometimes have a hard time understanding how people from small towns like White River. When my aunt and uncle come down from Kansas City they always want to pay with their credit card. We have a small grocery store with 5 asiles in the whole store, a post office, drugstore, and a clinic. We also have 2 restaurants which one also is a casino and there is also a motel the Thoroughbred it has 12 rooms.It is hard for them to understand we don’t have expensive homes or even a Wal-Mart. We are used to it though.I hate it when people stereotype others. We have a lot of Native American culture here and a lot of people think that natives all do drugs, all get in trouble, and none can be trusted. I know that while there are drugs in this community there are still most people who don’t do drugs and fight against them.I am not Native and I go to a school were there is mostly Native Americans some of them are my closest friends. My best friend in the whole world is a Native American and she is the best friend a girl could ask for and she even speaks against drinking and suicide. So even though there isn’t much to do around here I still have a lot of fun and I would like to find a town similar to this for my kids to grow up in.

2011-10-06T08:31:00.000-05:00

I’m Jojo, A 15 year old freshmen from White River. White River is a small town in the middle of no where. Everyone knows everyone and news always travels fast. It's your average tiny town that only populates 500 people. We have small communities like places that have around 90-100 people to the most in them, it's a rough guess. Yet, still part of White River… There isn’t much to say about White River considering I grew up here. My entire life all I have ever known is White River and how boring it can get. It has its moments, yeah sure I’ll give it that. I mean you can only bring sports and get togethers up in a story so many times. People who visit say nice things about how beautiful it is, and how nice the people are. But I grew up here, I am used to the scenery, to me it is more then often the same. It gets old. The people are nice, I guess I can say we tend to gravitate tward the bright side of the tunnel. Although, again being one who spent virtually my entire life here I am used to it. Say, If you sent a city kid here, they would probably die from the lack of everything. We have what we need and more. But there are no Malls, or Wal-Mart’s. We have one grocery store, two small gas stations, and a coffee shop/convenient store type thing. We don't even have a stop light! If you were to go down Main Street if you blinked you would miss it. We have a motel, but people often do stay there. But I only say a lot of this because if you were to dive through White River, my best guess you wouldn’t exactly pick it to be your first choice. It’s not that bad. I like it, its quiet, not too many people are here. We can go out not having the fear a lot of people in big cities have with crime and the overcrowded streets. We do have our crime and trouble, what town doesn’t? But we are a lot better then most. So with all that, we are pretty ok. It isn't a bad place to grow up. It's actualy a really nice place to grow up. There are so many points I could mention, to many to type. White River is better than most people give it credit for, I guess I'm just on of them.