In most history classes in the United States, the indigenous population of the Americas are mentioned briefly during the early stages of colonization and exploration. We know the stories of Sacagawea and Pocahontas, and the Cowboys and Indians, but what happens after that? Where are the Native Americans today? They are still here, they still exist, and we have a long way to go in recognizing and appreciating them.
It all started when a little ship in 1492 sailed into what was thought to be India. From that time on Indians were exploited, relocated, and underrepresented. There is not a lot reported on Native Americans in our history classes past the 20th century.
Where did they go?
Native Americans are still alive and well today. There are several reservations spread across the United States.
Living conditions on these reservations can be compared to third world lifestyles. Most live in poverty.
Personal Experience
I have had the privilege to visit an Indian Reservation five times now. It is shocking. I couldn't believe that there was that level of poverty in the United States because it is a first world country.
Allen, South Dakota is located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It is very close to Nebraska, and the closest city to the reservation is two hours away. My home church has traveled out there since 2003 almost every June. We drive for two days to get there, and the journey is rough but rewarding.
(This photo was taken by me in 2016, it is of Allen, SD)
The people there are very proud of where they came from, and we respect them and their culture. We are not there to overtake their customs or "westernize" them. We are there to love them, create relationships, and to let them know that there is more to life than what they are living in.
There are large amounts of suicide and drugs and alcohol being used heavily on many reservations. I think this makes the younger people feel like there is no way out or that is just the way things are and that is the way it is meant to be. I go because I want them to know that doesn't need to be the way they live their lives. There's so much more.
We need to recognize that the Native Americans have played an enormous part in the history of the United States and they deserve acknowledgment and appreciation, especially in the founding of our country. There are still wrongs that need to be righted.
