According to World Population Review, poverty is universally defined as not having enough income to meet basic needs. This extends beyond just not having enough money for a new vehicle, smartphone, or to take a vacation. Instead, people that live in poverty struggle to keep a roof over their heads, put food on the table, or to purchase basic items like clothing, shoes, and hygiene items.
Poverty in the United States may occur for a variety of reasons. One reason is unemployment or not having the skills or education to get a job that meets basic living expenses. Because of unemployment, people are not able to own property, rent homes in more desirable neighborhoods, and have limited access to education. The systematic exclusion of racial and ethnic minorities, those with disabilities, members of tribes, and exclusion of women from participating in fair economic enterprise are factors.
In May of this year, I traveled by motor coach with a group to the Black Hills of South Dakota. We traveled through five states to get there. We made many stops along the way; however, our goal was to see Mt. Rushmore and surrounding sites.
We saw the beautiful Dignity Statue that was erected in 2016. Three Native American women from Rapid City, South Dakota served as models for the statue. The statue boldly proclaims that South Dakota’s Native culture as standing with dignity. Our tour guide joined us on the motor coach and took us to many more historical sites. At Badlands, we marveled at the beauty. We bought jewelry, crafts, and other items made by Native Americans. We didn’t see many Native Americans.
It was strange to see the beautiful crafts the Native Americans made but not see them. I asked our tour guide if the profits made from their work was shared with them. Unfortunately, she didn’t know the answer. Some Native Americans live and attend school in the cities, but the majority live on rural subpar reservations.
According to my research, the population of South Dakota is 909, 824 and the poverty rate is around 12.3%. The majority of the population is white. Native Americans make up around 9%. According to the Department of Justice, the majority of Native Americans live on the state’s nine reservations. Crime is high and there are law enforcement challenges. Approximately 49% of Native Americans live in poverty. Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations are where the majority live. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Services are underfunded. The reservations are mostly remote and many lack running water. The reservations are low in natural resources and soil quality.
Pine Ridge reservation is located at the southern end of the beautiful Badlands national park. Approximately 53% of Native Americans living there are below the federal poverty guidelines. There are multiple health and social problems. The school drop-out rate is high. Residents die from diabetes, heart problems, ETOH, and Drug Abuse at young ages. Unemployment rate is sky-high. This reservation is located approximately 75 miles from Mt. Rushmore.
According to the newsletter, Running Strong for American Indian Youth, the plight of Native American reservations, including Pine Ridge, are deeply rooted in historical injustices, land disposition, and the erosion of traditional ways of life. Through community donations, they hope to instill pride in indigenous traditions, culture, and bring joy to the reservation.
Francie Mae. August 17, 2024.
References
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Wikipedia. Accessed August 17, 2024.
Rosebud Indian Reservation. Wikipedia. Accessed August 17, 2024.
Running Strong for American Indian Youth. A Year of Combatting Pine Ridge Reservation Poverty: Stories of Hope from 2023. February 5, 2024. Website. Accessed August 17, 2024.
U.S. Department of Justice. District of South Dakota Indian Country-United States. Website. Accessed August 17, 2024.
World Population Review. Poverty Rate by State 2024. Website. Accessed August 17, 2024.