Fighting addiction on Pine Ridge reservation

Whiteclay, Nebraska is a tiny unincorporated town that sits on the border with South Dakota. Until its closure by state officials, its four liquor stores sold more than 4m cans of beer a year, almost entirely to members of Lakota Sioux tribe on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation, where the sale of alcohol is banned. The Guardian spent time on the reservation to understand the impact of alcohol on its residents - and the activists and Lakota tribe members determined to keep the town closed
Subscribe to The Guardian on KZbin ► is.gd/subscribe...
Support the Guardian ► support.thegua...
Today in Focus podcast ► www.theguardia...
Sign up for the Guardian documentaries newsletter ► www.theguardia...
The Guardian ► www.theguardia...
The Guardian KZbin network:
Guardian News ► is.gd/guardianw...
Owen Jones talks ► bit.ly/subsowen...
Guardian Football ► is.gd/guardianf...
Guardian Sport ► bit.ly/GDNsport
Guardian Culture ► is.gd/guardianc...

[@theGuardian]

FIND OUT MORE - Liquid genocide: alcohol destroyed Pine Ridge reservation - then they fought back ► www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/29/pine-ridge-indian-reservation-south-dakota

[@ccccccasey]

The Guardian Trump is doing good by cutting Indian benefits. This helps the Indians escape the fascist white man... Trump2020

[@bassline5633]

Start reading Black Elk Speaks you guys, your prophet and father is telling you about Tankashela, and how to fix this black road mess, to the Red road! He came to restore us from this destruction to help Wanekia, and to witness Wakan Tanka. Namaste

[@adelinevivian7550]

If you go back into History you will see that the white man stole our lands food and our GOLD no-wonder they put another thief in charge

[@sleepyxxxtee4597]

The Guardian look at how China went from significant opiates addiction to nearly 0% in two years.. opiates addiction brought on throughout colonial times until 1953..

[@kevinscott6229]

Sleepyxxx Tee hh

[@fastnbulbouss]

It's pretty chilling when you hear the kid say he lost ten of his friends to suicide, in two years !!!

[@1BigCREE1Redtail]

fastnbulbouss And the way he said it. With no emphasis! Causal and so 'matter of fact'. Sobering!

[@randyhopeless6179]

I lost many friends and family to suicide and addictions, there's just no hope for some people. The struggle is real in so many ways for natives.

[@tammiebroggins]

fastnbulbouss I lost both my sons

[@lilahdog568]

I lost 7 friends to suicide, 5 to murders and 5 to drugs. It makes u wonder sometimes if death is following u when so many ppl u know die

[@mjkrbjcw]

I’m sure it’s a girl

[@stevepool9492]

we give billion all over the world yet we can't fix our own. they talk of hungry children in Venezuela, yet we have that here. I believe before we help others clean up their mess we should start with our own

[@aaronhumphrey2009]

Amen. Let's wage some peace on our people, instead of another war. Rebuild our infrastructure, take care of our people !

[@vernwallen4246]

Charity begins at HOME!💕💕💕❤❤❤

[@eatingelizabethsfrizbee]

Clean up our backyard before we go knocking on our neighbors door.

[@robertwright4220]

The government is not helping anyone near or far. The so-called aid to other countries is a means to exert a presence in those countries for some personal end. To foment dissent among the people and deplete local resources. We need to understand this and hold these criminals accountable.

[@norseman5041]

so do you think giving them more money will help, they will just drink more. Such is life, only them selves can help them. But I agree, we should stop giving money to other nations and our own Is suffering.

[@Joetheshow445]

I feel very sorry for the natives suffering from alcoholism. Alcohol is such a terrible drug that is of use to no one. I haven’t touched alcohol in 4 months, I hope I don’t relapse, and I hope these natives sober up and live long happy lives

[@rosestewart1606]

Bowtoyoursensi!!238 good for you! Congratulations on taking your life back. You deserve this 😁 Indigenous North and South Americans are genetically predisposed to alcoholism. Our lives lack the enzymes to break down alcohol so it's much stronger. It's also more addictive. We have to think of it like an allergic reaction and for many it actually makes them feel bad. There are just things some people can't have...peanuts, shell fish and alcohol You may be one of these people. I hope you have a wonderful life.

[@brettmitchell8014]

Good luck to you sir. I'm a recovering heroin addict. I can relate. You are in my prayers.

[@pplayer666]

Comparing a habit of an individual to that of a collective is night and day. Once an entire group has been made addicted to something it's virtually impossible to have them all quit. Сollective degeneracy is extremely difficult to overcome, especially when there's zero political will to make that happen. Also, speaking of political will, Budweiser's bottom line is far more important than a few suicides here and there among the virtually-wiped-out-of-existence natives.

[@Ama-Elaini]

Alcohol is natural, produced by our own bodies but it's used as a drug, to numb our wounds and even to numb our minds which I guess is exactly what these people are doing. When they don't see the light might as well pretend blindness or amnesia with its help, or in the extreme cases commit a suicide, but everyone who do see the light are fighters trying to go towards it. So instead, keep fighting and believing that you'll find it in the end. There are whole nations that know it has paid off no matter how much it hurt, and the spirit still remains with them.

[@pplayer666]

Сrazy, in no way have I meant that as an insult but as a matter of fact. Сhronic alcoholism does cause degeneracy, and a far more severe degeneracy in a group of people than in an individual. Native Americans are people like any other, and if there was any condenscension in my comment, it had everything to do Buweiser's profits. Natives with their various cultures are just victims of historic circumstances.

[@diane9247]

This is what happens when a culture is destroyed from the outside. Not exactly a mystery where self-destruction comes from, really. I know quite a bit about this place. Bless them.

[@MONKEYSCHANNEL327]

@Paul B Isn't it intresting how people in the ghetto aswel as native Australians, people who are all basically being taken care of by wellfare have no jobs and nothing to do all turn to drugs and acohol?

[@alejandrosotomartin9720]

Sorry buddy but if someone cannot stop his ethilic adiction is only his problem and depends on him to solve that problem.

[@nialloneill5097]

ONBECTIBES should read OBJECTIVES !

[@GenZGuy1]

@@alejandrosotomartin9720 Simplistic answers from a simplistic individual. An individual is responsible for his actions but this is happening to a whole community there's a historical basis behind what's going on.

[@alejandrosotomartin9720]

@Crazy Canuck And your arguments are...

[@TerroristNeutralizer]

A Lakota funeral song is the loneliest sound in the world, You can feel the pain.

[@thomasgomez7516]

This is a very heartbreaking video to watch. Im coming up on my Fathers passing in March. Its been about year almost. He died of Alcoholism like so many. And like the young Lakota, who took his life, my brother took his life as well 16 years ago and the pain stays fresh with me. My heart goes to the Lakota and many nations struggling with alcoholism and suicide

[@lastomykindwill4598]

It's incredibly disturbing to know that such young people are taking their own lives.

[@massiveconn5409]

born & raised on the rez. it takes alot of sacrifice & strength to just leave & make something of yourself

[@somedude3819]

Massive Conn I finally got out of the Rez man that place sucked I was in the crow Rez so it was even worse it does I’m 11 now

[@tulliaduffin5109]

In Europe we have been leaving family and friends behind and gone to different countries to earn a living, still keeping our national integrity. WHY CANNOT NATIVES DO THE SAME?????????

[@romym1193]

​@@tulliaduffin5109wow, you really didn't understand what is all about!

[@Gsthompson84]

It sucks seeing other tribes going through this. We’re all Native Americans and should help one another. Economically they need to grow.

[@wonkaIndian100]

I know the term Native American is usually referred to Natives of the USA, but I feel for you as I am an indigenous person from Mexico. My people are Zapotec in a small village and alcoholism runs deep especially in my family. Thankfully our generation are breaking these cycles and are not as susceptible to it than our parents/grandparents etc.

[@mochatitan8971]

I'm Native American with Caucasian who grew up with my Native Grandparents on reservation and we have about 10 stores that sell alcohol so I can relate as well as many others from my community(theGaspe coast of Canada( Kanata). RIP to all the brothers and sisters who fell to the evils of alcohol and other drugs. No matter what the skin color.

[@jazzanji]

Whenever you strip a group of it's culture, including language and spiritual practices,,,it's means of survival, it leaves the door open to addiction. I see misery and depression here. The indigenous people must return to the way of their elders. This society forced on them is not good for them.

[@ccccccasey]

jazzanji Wait, what has been forced on them? What was done that stripped them of their culture?

[@bassline5633]

Read Black Elk Speaks, learn History... A Language, a Philosophy, a Worldview, a Beleif, Harmony, and Freedom were taken from these beautiful people.

[@leiacomenetz6172]

It is about economics. Indigenous people need to built and open their own restaurants, shops, their own smoothie bars with natural juices and organic juice choices, etc. and stop falling in the trap the white store owners of alcohol have set for them to fall into and prey upon them.

[@bassline5633]

We are slaves to an empire that we do not support, even to the core of our worldview, and you say join them by emulating what they do. Nonsense.

[@rosestewart1606]

Your Tears indigenous languages and cultural practices were banned in the US until the 70s. And children were taken from their families and force assimilated in residential schools until the 80s

[@wadeking7847]

My prayers to the Lakota people

[@saber2802]

Prayers can only do so much

[@vernwallen4246]

Prayers should be CONSTANT!💕💕❤😇😇

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

okay cool. NOW DO SOMETHING

[@w.j.castellanos8879]

@Windemes * your a joke

[@runningwithscissors1524]

Prayers are meaningless. Actions are what matter.

[@brettmitchell8014]

It concerns me that they are taking their access of alcohol away and I'm sure that they have some severe alcoholics who are now going to go through alcohol withdrawal. Out of all of the substance withdrawals alcohol is the one that can kill someone. It would make sense to set up some kind of treatment facility prior to doing this. Or at least a detox facility so that people can detox under medical supervision and do it safely.

[@Blu778]

😢I pray for my fellow indigenous people. I'm a Northern Cheyenne Indian woman and I see this alot on my reservation

[@ibolyacsokas7947]

😢😢

[@yunustan7502]

I'm not native but I deal with depression,-anxiety, low self esteem, traumatic memories/emotions, and thoughts of self-harm. I have to do my best everyday to not be self destructive. I think there are people that don't choose to become alcoholics. I just hope for people to take care of themselves.

[@Mannsy83]

I'm white Australian and have the same issues. It's hard not to in the world we live in.

[@yunustan7502]

@@Mannsy83 I agree. I hope you take care of yourself. I find it hard not to get into bad habits myself. I wish we find inner peace and find the ability to take care of ourselves. Life is the most valuable thing but it's hard to recognize it.

[@supersman2000]

Population of 14 people? Selling 2 million beers a year with such a small population?

[@PandaHead602]

No way how do they have money to buy that much LOL they must have liver problems

[@monicaortiz7331]

These people are slowly going extinct.

[@monicaortiz7331]

@@vegandollsheartless

[@MONKEYSCHANNEL327]

@@vegandolls Isn't it intresting how people in the ghetto aswel as native Australians, people who are all basically being taken care of by wellfare have no jobs and nothing to do all turn to drugs and acohol?

[@deadbydanuwu5692]

This is for the better.

[@RichardWolfe79]

That was the plan...

[@vincentdegrasio2879]

THIS

[@pennyspage668]

and people are worried about ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS???? What about the people here that are already hurting???

[@colec.6477]

You can blame the democrats

[@KirbySweg]

No one really cares about the few that are hurting. Illegal immigrants tax our whole economy and leech off the system therefore effecting EVERYONE, which is why democrats focus on this issue instead of helping the few Natives who are stapled on alcohol addiction. Helping these people will grant nothing in return except cost the local government agencies their money; thus why they have turned their backs on them. You are probably thinking, “Why won’t they help, this is wrong!” Well, no one really cares about your emotions and the moral opinions that come with them. If you are really aiming towards helping those in need, then do it, there are many Indian reservations that you can volunteer or donate towards; which is what I am going to do in a few months. So instead of making such an ignorant comment that won’t help these people whatsoever, do something about it and make a change without your morals and emotions getting in the way.

[@thexlllthdeadlysin9235]

@@KirbySweg My family came to the States as illegal immigrants, we became citizens and now own 10 houses, an apartments building, and animals like horses and cows, How do we leech off the system when I spent $1.500 just to apply for my citizenship? And it is not guaranteed that we are gonna get legalization even after spending money like that for even a traffic ticket could mean denial of a residential visa. Hard to believe that people keep saying that Mexicans are same as natives, and I know for a fact that there are many jobs in Nebraska and the border line with South Dakota construction is a big one, One big question is why won't they move to a different state? And yes I was born in Mexico. Those are fools who don't wanna progress unlike many of us illegal immigrants, and also let me tell you that I am a convicted felon(DUIs) and assault on officer and it's been hard to get a job now,but if I can't get one soon I'm migrating to a different state I heard about 2,000 construction job openings in Wisconsin. I'm going to leech off over there, Ha! I also speak Türkçe and Japanese. How is that for being a parasite?

[@KirbySweg]

The Xlllth Deadly sin The Xlllth Deadly sin Your situation differs from the 30 million illegal immigrants that are predicted to live in the United States as you actually got a citizenship and made more money. Good on you that you are rich now, but that still doesn’t change the fact that millions of people have to deal with more economic pressure due to other illegal immigrants; which in term makes them “leeches”. I’m sure you may seem a bit biased towards my argument since you are from Mexico, and I understand that. But I think you misunderstood what I really meant when I wrote my previous argument. Good luck with everything

[@thexlllthdeadlysin9235]

@@KirbySweg I'm not rich, the Nebraska flood did a number on me that's why I gotta chase a wealthier pay check nothing major, but still. And just so you know I have a daughter that's half Native. And Thanks!!

[@JennyWren333]

Stay sober. I have. And I too am dangerous. Help the kids.

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏🏻🌹💞🌹💞🌹🙏🏻🤩 Get high on the Holy Name, and stay high spiritually forever. There is only misery in the temporary highs & happiness of drugs & alcohol. It is only a short vacation from misery that is called this material happiness. Hare Krsna.

[@09Silverbull]

Thank you for the video. Some of the nicest people I’ve ever met are Lakota Sioux. The amount of suicides is tragic.

[@muaddib7685]

What else is there to do there? I've lived in rural Vermont and rural Arkansas. Substance abuse and suicide is normalized in rural impoverished areas. It's not just a Native American affliction. And those areas don't get any handouts.I could name thousands of similar afflicted places I've seen too like in Kentucky and Georgia, etc. This is not particularly happening because they are native American. It's happening because when a mans pride it taken away such as pride as a provider, they self destruct, and so does the family.

[@Marinemom75]

Yes I've lived in that and seen it with my own eyes

[@apriljk6557]

@@RandomKZbin123 why ar you assuming they aren't educated? They're trying to keep alcoholic away from their people, I think they know how bad it is.

[@sherryburrows882]

Thank you. That answer was spot-on. I recently read a book by professor and activist Chris Hedges called Sacrifice Zones, and he talked of parts of America that had been hollowed out by deindustrialization and other issues. One was Pine Ridge, one was Appalachia, where the people are 97% white, and Camden, New Jersey, over 90% black. What they have in common, besides alcohol, drugs, crime, suicide, homicide, hopelessness, and despair, is that whatever kept them bound in a functioning community went away and wasn't replaced by something else. Even though they were very different groups of people, they all had the same experience of losing their primary source of income, or in the case of Pine Ridge, they never really had one. They had had a way of life that they couldn't replicate on the land that they'd been stuck on. When the way of life went, the community went. The young people either moved away or got caught up in drugs or drink, hopelessness, and despair. The hope of the families vanished. Work is so much more than just income. It defines a person, gives them a way to believe in themselves and their community, and gives meaning to their lives. When Natives could no longer practice the old ways, or began to forget them, they lost that meaning. It looks like in some cases it has come back, a powerful thing to see.

[@dana8454]

@@RandomKZbin123 Education is important and we tried teaching the facts of alcohol and drugs along with skills to cope with anger, depression, grieving and suicide prevention. But there's much more on the issue of alcoholism on the Rez. There's lack of employment, loss of culture, lack of basic needs such as running water or electricity, upbringing, abuse, and family history. Programs that do aim at prevention work cost $$. Not just for salary - my coworker and I volunteered - but for gas to reach the schools, basic supplies like paper, pens, ink, etc. We are trying.

[@FaithandNova]

@DesertRat45 relax most ppl don't look cuz they can't phantom the wicked that really goes on

[@carolynware2325]

Help them stop their pain treat them with respect and love

[@manuelarodriguez5706]

There deserve respect

[@tamlynn786]

The problem is so much more deeper than that. It comes down to how many natives see themselves and they suffer from many psychological trauma that has been passed down through generations. I’m Choctaw native so I see it all the time. There really needs to be an infiltration of rehabilitation / counseling programs on these reservations.

[@irmademontesinos5714]

I am Inative Mexican living in Mexico, I feel so sorry , alcoholism is a big trouble in my country too, I hope you be able recovery ....I love you....

[@boo2952]

We love you too

[@aaronspencer7967]

Yes my hole family passed from drugs and alcohol I am the last and it's hard

[@spiritanimal8836]

@@aaronspencer7967 you ok?

[@aaronspencer7967]

@@spiritanimal8836 oh yes just going through the addiction bS with my childrens mother

[@joannbyrne182]

@@aaronspencer7967 I wish you well and every happiness in the future for you and your family

[@javierguzman4067]

Pine Ridge is like other poor places in the US... Appalachia, Mississippi, West Virginia etc... The best way to improve your lot is to leave. Some folks would rather live in poverty than leave with their family... if you want to stay, fine. Just understand that jobs will NOT come to the Rez, Appalachia, Mississippi or any other place with no infrastructure... I left México to escape poverty... Guess what? I am still Mexican... I am still tight with my family. I did not abandon my culture, I brought it with me... So understand that if you leave to find work elsewhere, you are not any less Indian...

[@gina4196]

Honestly start a garden with all the children get them involved have native gatherings dedicated to pureness!! Keep them together and have a safe haven for all!!💪🙏✌

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

Stop violent cow killing, and immediately there will be peace in human society. People who need to taste blood may eat lesser animals. They may drink cow or buffalo milk, which is transformed blood only, and very healthy. But save the cows. They need to be on the endangered species list, not the breakfast or dinner menu list. Please... Love the cows like people love dogs & cat pets. Protect the cows. Make a change in consciousness. Actually the world is watching.

[@oldandtiredshouldberetired3436]

That sounds like a real nice idea, but practically it cost more to plant a garden than to buy the vegetables at Walmart. These folks don't have enough money to buy stamps. A simple writing tool is something a child might cherish. We have to start at the root of the problem, depression and addiction. The causes are well known, there are no jobs, the housing is substandard, and electricity is scarce.

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

Where are they going to get the money to buy garden supplies? Also the land that the government “reserved” for these guys is some of the least arable land in the country. Gardening and more importantly, farming, is hard which is why they’re starving!!

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

@@carstarsarstenstesenn What about Go Fund Me ? If they have money for alcohol & meat, they probably have enough for gardening stuff.

[@joni--bologna]

my Grandmother had a garden every f-n summer and a cellar full of jars of food. We all should f-n do that. I know how to can. it's f-n easy.

[@BobbyIronsights]

Yah, I'm sure alcohol prohibition is gonna work just great for these people, it's worked so well in the past

[@libertine40]

INDEED!

[@skhateanddestroy1252]

Exactly, of course this story had to go and lay blame on the liquor stores! Just don't buy their booze, problem solved. Prohibition of substances will never work. It's incredibly easy to make beer or wine!

[@macculp981]

@@skhateanddestroy1252 I have a suspicion you've never actually brewed beer before. Simple, yes. Easy, no.

[@A.Dude.]

The BLACK LIST worked well too... How about that?

[@libertine40]

@Manny Q Malt liquor is what they sell in these places. It's not beer. Sugar, or high sugar grain like corn, is added to the barley malt to boost the alcohol. That's why diabetes is so rampant on the rezs as well.

[@golz9785]

I’m a recovering alcoholic and I know first hand that we try to blame everything on our situation except ourselves. Have to take accountability. The cop made it seem like no matter the solution that was provided nothing works. That’s because a person has to accept that they are sick WANT to get well.

[@tamlynn786]

Exactly!

[@n8vchic299]

For my native brothers and sisters.... YOU ARE A STRONG GROUP OF PEOPLE..... KEEP THAT BEAUTY STRONG!!! LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!!!

[@bobbymercier7113]

Living in Michigan I grew up with several reservations and knew many people of the tribes...their story is a similar one. They were on an island called Wapu Island from what I can remember. I remember when I was young one of the liquor store owners and my father were talking...and he seen this vision in the distance of a dogsled...we waited for it to come into view. The older Indian gentleman was polite as he came into the land from the frozen lake..and the liquor store owner sighed and asked his employee to go get the shipment...it was several boxes of cheap whiskey that this man had come across for. They were telling my father he only comes to the mainland in the winter and he buys for all the people in the village where over 70 percent are alcoholics and cant function without the help of the booze. And I remembered those p.s.a. announcements back in the day and the Indian crying. That made a profound impact on the way I view the native American population here and they are truly one of thelast groups that it is acceptable to discriminate against and not offer help.

[@pamancave1150]

Maybe they should be getting some of that casino cash to help them? Don't mind playing others addicted to gambling but so sad when others play on their short comings ? Same with the cheap cigs from the res they've killed more with their cigarettes and gambling racket

[@wientzer]

@epocs Exactly...No "Indian" in that commercial, only costume....

[@masonkirk503]

@@pamancave1150 Not every tribe has a casino or gets "indian money" or government help like alot of people think. I come from the Klamath Tribe(?ewksiknii) and we're not that wealthy like some Tribes are

[@craven4bmore709]

@@masonkirk503 Exactly, because group identity inculcated the belief that we are all apart of "tribes". That's why wealth in Native American communities is compacted and compiled with a small group of people. But, hey, no need to add any layers to the the problem. No need to see a problem and all its context and nuance. White man and western civilization BAD! is so much easier.

[@masonkirk503]

@Frank DeFalco Not all drink or use. You try being born on Pine Ridge where there's hardly LITTLE to NO education,jobs,resources etc. Or even money to save up to move to an urban city. Not everyones born where they have opportunity. I'd like to see you go on any Rez and talk tough, let's see how long you'd last PUNK haha

[@dannypalmer7701]

Nobody is forcing you to live that way! Its up to you and how you think!

[@mikem201]

Update....White Clay is now closed, no more alcohol. The Sioux now just drive a few miles further south to Rushville, Nebraska. Was through there just a few weeks ago. Just a block or 2 from the front door of the local high school, there were a half dozen Sioux passing a bottle around in an empty lot, already drunk @ 10 AM.

[@Psychoticsavage]

Praying for Pine Ridge Reservation.

[@glendalanden2916]

Prayers Up, Traditional way Each Day, for ALL TRIBAL PEOPLE, PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND STRENGTH , FOR ALL. Sage, sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco, The smoke to carry the prayers to The Great Spirit, A'HO, to All The Human Beings A'HO ....AND MUCH LOVE FOR ALL OF YOU

[@cravinbob]

That praying and the great spirits have not proven to exist or be worthwhile. Time for plan B

[@arnoldscully8906]

Why?

[@deadbydanuwu5692]

You’re a worthless joke of a human being

[@lop1657]

Yes pray to thin air that will solve everything

[@Rb-hj3gl]

This is exactly what happens when you oppress a whole nation of people for 100s of years and do absolutely nothing to make up for the horrible things that were done. It’s no wonder these people are depressed and hurting and abuse alcohol to cope with the pain and feelings of hopelessness.

[@YugoRocketsFan]

The Inuits in Greenland do the same thing and they were never oppressed

[@jrice07]

Its their choice really. For example, when the US annexed 55% of Mexico after the war, the Mexicans had a choice of leaving or staying and retaining their lands as new US citizens. Those who stayed, prospered. Those who left lived in poverty. Its a choice to live on the Reservations, in poverty, under tribal law that forbids land ownership and refuses to make treaties that would allow economic growth. Instead they sit there with their hand out gobbling up $20 billion a year in Federal Relief Funds.

[@jrice07]

@@YugoRocketsFan Shhh...people arent ready for that conversation.

[@ericyoung2136]

@@jrice07 yea. It's our only "choice". Try being adopted out to white people and never knowing your family.

[@erismana2105]

@@jrice07 clueless anchor baby

[@francisphillips53]

4 million cans of beer a year? 4 stores. That is liquid genocide. 😢😢😢

[@johnandrews3547]

so the people who buy and drink those cans of beer are not at fault in any way? you lady are a fool

[@trishakatz386]

John Andrews there are no jobs, no means of proper education, plus Native American lack the enzyme for metabolizing alcohol properly. Perfect formula for alcoholism.

[@johnandrews3547]

perfect formula for being locked into the paralyzing grip of victimization...nice try pal...@@trishakatz386

[@christianmendozatapia295]

I am a former alcoholic/addict going on 5 years clean/sober. I don't understand what the federal government has to do with fighting addiction.

[@Mr.Veridical]

It's just another sad ploy to blame Trump/racism for everything.

[@dbrand831]

Treatment facilities! That's why the gov needs to be involved. Not all ppl are capable of stopping on their own.

[@trishakatz386]

Alcohol should not be sold in impoverished areas. Why are there four liquor stores, but no grocery stores aside from a 7-11?

[@christianmendozatapia295]

@@trishakatz386 towns can pass laws to outlaw sale of alcohol. These towns can be found all over the country. The federal government is not our daddy or mommy. We as adults make the decision to begin and stop drinking. I am going on five years without drinking and the first thing i had to do was stop blaming everyone else for my screw ups.

[@tylerprescott3501]

I went to college in Chadron NE. I drove through Whiteclay when it was still open and it was the saddest thing I ever saw. People passed out on the streets in one of the smallest towns in the state. It needed to end.

[@dutchboyslim5951]

5:14 exactly. If the liquor store owner said "I am not selling to you because you are NA, he would rightly be prosecuted for discrimination. People need to learn to say no to something that they know is harmful to themselves.

[@Dutch_Uncle]

It used to be a crime to sell alcohol to Indians. Then later it was correctly seen as discrimination, and that is where we are now.

[@kudu2222]

The problem hasn't changed, it's only moved. Now people just drive further for their beer.

[@Brandon-ew8mr]

Or they improperly make the alcohol, increasing the risk of poison.

[@zippymufo9765]

As long as The Guardian can find some white people to blame, they're happy.

[@kingpinsmith22]

Same thing in Australia, but the aus government buys the natives the booze.

[@lalat9437]

Its eery how similar this situation is with the aboriginals in australia

[@nemanjapetkovic7498]

Purple Grape Uncle civilised*

[@rocnoir4233]

@Nate Yeah right. "TONY Abbott has condemned yesterday's Aboriginal protesters as "un-Australian", maintaining he was "verballed" by protesters who said he'd called for Canberra's Aboriginal tent embassy to be removed." I can copy paste oodles of this stuff all day long.

[@tkn463]

Australian natives are going thru the same thing as us. ❤️

[@donttalktomeyoureannoying8736]

eaglerising88 can you elaborate? I’m genuinely interested in this topic not sure I understand

[@NomadicNorthwoods]

I grew up between two native tribes in northern Wisconsin. Over half my school was native. Here is one thing I know for certain: natives are MUCH MORE at risk of alcoholism. It hits them much harder. They can't get enough.

[@blackacidgaming5672]

Its a cheap, legal drug

[@lise895]

That’s because white ppl have been drinking for thousands of years native people have not so we don’t have a tolerance to it

[@CalebBlock]

welcome to being Irish.

[@Sun_and_Sea_]

We need to focus on the people in our own country that need help instead of blowing billions on worthless wars and inviting everyone into America. Our own populations in poverty should’ve been thought of first.

[@JoeSexPack]

'They think of us as child-like, unable to handle ourselves in the modern world.' Where'd they get a silly idea like that? LOL!

[@Country-Gal-at-Heart]

Unfortunately we now need money 💰 to survive in this corrupt world. The olden ways didn't need money they were rich with strength, respect for nature and lived off the land. An abundant land that provided everything they needed to survive and have pride in themselves ~🌼~

[@xmokifrommarz1660]

@darryl runnels your parents are cousins

[@bornfree8073]

Hate to point this out, but the only Indians that are successful do not live on recognized reservations, which means they get fair less aid and government intervention. Who gives a darn about facts tho. Lets bash trump and talk about more hand outs

[@veronicachristopher9321]

@darryl runnels liberal tears? That's lame, so unoriginal and very sheepish. Get a life outside of the virtual world 😉

[@travistomlinson3598]

That is white mans way of understanding is "money".

[@juneosborne421]

@@bornfree8073 What is coming is the end of "America". You will be begging these people for help bc they are the last ones who know how to survive.

[@Kabeyavictoria]

1492 is everyday people. Same issue in Brazil among Native Brazilians who especially under Bolsonaro are going crazy and depressed for being socially isolated

[@Mom_sBasement]

Quit taking them to jail. He looked perfectly comfortable passed out in that doorway.

[@muaddib7685]

Yup, I went to college in Australia. Passed out in the street was perfectly normal there.

[@Sup3rdud4]

They are in a small town, he's probably keeping him safe in the jail. That's what it's like in Iowa

[@vicshrily]

Theres kids crying there!!!!!!

[@alchemispark7751]

@@muaddib7685 what a magical place

[@tzermonkey]

As a man that’s part Native we (my family) had to come to terms that we may have trouble, even genetically with alcohol. Some of my family have had issues with alcohol.

[@michealgoldberg9518]

My cousin works in Mission as a officer on the rez. he is trying to fix the addiction!!!

[@maxbien2382]

no more beer, put money in the land, and food all work together as you once have, go, back, to your roots, it takes time won't happen over night, but day by day, week, by week, month by month, year by year, you can all work together and make a difference together, as one great peoples

[@lalano1116]

No their owed so much more this is their land

[@FaithandNova]

@@lalano1116 yes but they can't keep waiting. Time and too many deaths has passed

[@iliveforaliving6115]

This is not their land. This is the land of my ancestors. Real aboriginals of turtle island

[@abu4278]

I live for a live I searched this up because I seen a group of native elders out in the cold 15° Not in their right state of mind and wanted to understand why their living like this

[@JulioHernandez-fk7wh]

Alcohol is Number one drug killer.

[@JB-hl1qx]

What about how there's a liquor store on every corner in the hood....

[@tyler496121]

Lets blame everybody but themselves.

[@shirleymccracken3836]

I have many Lakota brothers on the Pine Ridge rez and alcohol and drugs are a very big problem

[@nm1978]

This country belongs to the indigenous people, it doesn't belong to anyone else.

[@mickeyjackson9318]

Bs

[@nm1978]

@@mickeyjackson9318 BS

[@colec.6477]

Creator bless the Natives. Y'all stick together and grow y'alls population back up keep the pride up.

[@tristanburton3554]

Cosmic indifference...there's no 'creator', the world is just another rock in outer space.

[@driftking4]

@@tristanburton3554 another pessimist bringing everyone down.

[@tristanburton3554]

Just trying to bring you back to reality...you don't need to believe in imaginary sky fairys in order to become strong and change your life. You have to have will power and believe in yourself.

[@travispete6966]

They should have asked that cop how his childhood was. He seems really good

[@nolisto1]

Part of the problem is the segregation. Native americans not integrating into general society and living separately is not going to fix anything, they should somemhow leave these towns and integrate into general society and find another way of maintaining their culture. It's time to join the 21st century and stop hanging onto the past. It's gone, look to the future.

[@ms.annthrope415]

No different than life in the ghettos, Barrios, or hard tobacco roads in the Appalachians. Lots of alcohol and drugs in these communities of little hope and vast addiction and despair. You have to get out. If there's no work, gotta go to a comunity that has work. If no one will hire, the military is always hiring. Sign the paperwork and sit in the recruiters office until the bus arrives. Learn a trade, learn a vocation, learn diesel mechanics, construction and engineering, learn something useful. Earn a paycheck, get out and into a better social condition. But you gotta get out. Can't sit there while life drains away.

[@chestercopperpot5277]

I never tried to oppress you. I never made you drink. You did that on your own. It's your choice.

[@LonerStonER217]

It's your choice to reverse what your ancestors did

[@chestercopperpot5277]

What are you saying? Take control of your own life.@@LonerStonER217

[@mickeyjackson9318]

​@@LonerStonER217another crybaby

[@gabriellebernard198]

Take responsibilities for your actions. Blame is going to get you no where. All one hears is how proud these people were, they're sad and pathetic now. Times change, if you have to think back a hundred yrs to find pride what does that tell you.

[@jonathanpeterson1984]

You sound like a soulless miserable POS, probably because you are though. absolute brainless redneck comment. Read a history book you ignorant piece of garbage.

[@IMLowry]

Okay but Have you tried *NOT* drinking?

[@Andarovin]

Everything is somebody else's fault. Everything.

[@bahe37]

Right?! An 80% unemployment rate is the individual's fault. Go get a job and support your family. These poor children though.

[@NiaPgn]

Andarovin you are tour mother’s fault

[@NanetteNette]

@@bahe37 if there are no jobs then what? Chicken or the egg. Maybe if they can be given an environment to support sobering up, they can plan to pull themselves up. Read up on the Opium Wars. Addiction is a strong destabilizing force.

[@bahe37]

If your excuse is no jobs I already don't take you seriously. There are jobs everywhere......

[@NanetteNette]

@@bahe37 not excuses just sincerely asking. Please be respectful. So, if the jobs are not on their lands they would need to leave to find work. That costs money to move. What is your suggested plan of action for the Lakota people to do find work? What is the job market like in their area?

[@caroltaylor3931]

These poor young people, no hope, can only see one way out.Everyone is entitled to hope. ❤️

[@TVCloud9]

I went here twice in my life on mission trips when i was young and yeah.....very very very humbling experience and made me feel like a total waste of life for me ever complaining about my own circumstances

[@michael123cody5]

U went here? Or u went there?

[@diane9247]

Right, there's nothing like spending time in another culture for developing empathy. I have nothing but respect for the Pine Ridge Sioux.

[@josephinetracy1485]

They live for free, don't have to work, drink firewater, and collect checks. That sounds like wealthy to me.

[@charlest9884]

this has been going on for over a century and it's trumps fault PLEASE

[@hereisjohnnny]

Of course it's not Trumps fault. However, closing down the only park, getting rid of assistance to the community doesn't help either.

[@brittenyevans1101]

I just want to know how come some tribes are richer than others ? If I'm your brothers keeper or I'm your sisters keeper and I see you hurting? Why not have all the tribes come together and evenly distribute the earnings from the casino and other investments?

[@alablksnakelonghalfpintowh4038]

I lived in south Dakota and never cried so much before in my whole life my heart is forever cracked for natives of western south dakota

[@oscarramos3149]

Iam sorry about your pain. I feel it I jus wish you all have a better opportunities and rights . It breaks my heart how cruel human can be to other humans . How can we help ? Please contacto me [phone] iam sure there is something we can do . Blessings to you all 🙏

[@brianbrown7953]

It's called a choice nobody makes them drink I had the same problem was my choice too start and my choice too quit I spent two weeks with serious body cramps pains sweats and now I'm making the choice too never go back never once made anyone feel bad for me but I did it too my self

[@esmeraldagreen1992]

I guess if the liquor store was owned by the tribe then it would be ok.

[@ezmoney8901]

Exactly.

[@andreaburns1198]

Wow,no they don’t want any booze on the Rez.They do not sell it on the Rez,that’s why white clay has been there for years.Thats why they Are bootlegging it in.The Indians don’t want it on the Rez.

[@reddog6583]

No. Alcohol is killing my people. Ask the kids about it and see what they think. Finding your loved one dead from alcohol poisoning will shift your perspective to an extreme degree. America has more liquor stores in poor areas to kill the people off and to further enslave them not to enrich them. That being said I believe in personal responsibility. The chain reaction of addiction destroys generations and it’s so goddamn sad.

[@dingdingdingding5544]

It's the standard reaction to substance abuse crisises it seems. Many people blame Mexicans for bringing in heroin to the US.

[@sharonmontano4924]

They have bootleggers duh. Y’all are very naive

[@Davidbirdman101]

ive suffered from alcoholism nearly all my life, im irish, scottish ancestry. but alcoholism is a world wide thing. stereotyping does not help. when its all boiled down, its up to the individual to stop drinking. no amount of money or treatment will do the job, ive been in 15 treatment centers and just wasted other peoples money. it was my problem and only i could solve it. the government cant do it for you. we need to stop looking to the government to solve our personal problems. it wont work. it all begins in our own communities

[@shadara5370]

When you live on a prisoner of war camp, options are limited. For those who will comment on my statement, please look it up first.

[@treyartson6788]

They (Indigenous Peoples) truly are kept in a POW camp. It is heart breaking that our federal government spends billions on other nations, yet abandons the people who they have raped, oppressed, and stolen from.

[@davideckhart1123]

Israel get 30 billion per year. They get almost all the foreign aid budget. Does anyone fight this?

[@sircammockcongo9729]

@Frank DeFalco mind your business

[@alejandrosotomartin9720]

Prisoners of war that didn't pay taxes until the 30s and that get millions with casinos and that had government granted lands to develop their own culture.

[@rickDArula]

I'm Oglala Lakota. I wish we had more pride and resolve with who we are. We're stuck in a generational poverty . No fathers in the home, addiction and abuse.

[@JarisGoesAheadPretty1995]

A lot of these comments are disappointing.

[@craigjervis5652]

People not taking responsibility for their actions...is disappointing.

[@mikeaskme3530]

@Craig Jervis, i wonder when will the dominant culture will take responsibilities for their actions?

[@craigjervis5652]

mike askme Most of us do every single day.

[@imshaunnurse]

you wouldnt want them to take responsibility for building this country.

[@smallerfreeze]

Rochelle Pratt ... They are trying to kill off all this financial class of ppl... Its classism not racism

[@69ElChistoso]

I often tell young people that eventually, someday, they are going to find themselves in a hole. Most times, if you're being honest with yourself, it will be your poor decisions that got you there. There's no use trying to find someone to blame. Even if there is someone you can point a finger at, and say THIS is the person who put me into this hole, that ain't going to help you crawl out of it. That is 100% your responsibility.

[@tatih8267]

💯👏👏👏👏👏that's why we have the ability to think and choose

[@tlockerk]

It's sad, but if you move the liquor stores or bars further away, they will drive further to get it, and drive home intoxicated.The addiction problem on Native land is a horrible mess, and millions of dollars has thrown at it the last 50 years -- with very little success. Hopefully some new ways will be found.

[@kadygirlforever]

What can we do to help? It breaks my heart to see kids growing up like this.

[@germanshepherd6638]

Ban firewater 🍺

[@mikaylabansie9512]

stopped to talk with a Inuit man a couple of days ago. He was panhandling. i asked him if he needed something from store? All he wanted was a can of stuffed grape leaves! I cried instore & in car. Our beautiful brave Indigenous people need our love support and fullthroated voice, to force our government address every issue. Better lives for our brothers/sisters🙂

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

Hare Krsna friend.

[@mikaylabansie9512]

@@tulayamalavenapi4028 Namaste mate🙂

[@WallyTony]

I work in Whiteclay so I've seen all this first hand.

[@jamesjacobs3753]

Yeah, because three liquor stores in Nebraska is the reason two thirds of the native population is alcoholic 🙄. The victimhood mentality is so strong in the native community.

[@mermaidkindreamer]

Bless your heart.

[@libertariantranslator1929]

Banning peyote in 1929 was a good idea?

[@mikeaskme3530]

@J Henry Phillips, why was it a good ideal? Was making alcohol illegal a good ideal also, or how about the laws banning Native American languages, or the Laws that were used to force assimilation, the laws banning the practices of Native Spiritual systems. Were these laws good ideals also, or just that one you named?

[@rthawknatanabah1759]

J Henry......you have NO RESPECT & UNDERSTANDING ,lay by your dish....

[@craven4bmore709]

@@rthawknatanabah1759 Funny, the person asks a question and your instinctual reflex t ok attack and displace blame causes you to attack this person.

[@rthawknatanabah1759]

Joseph...you just as dumb as J heenry..a waste 😀of Breath

[@JonDoeNeace]

Religious freedom. You can't tell me what I can & can't inhale for ritual purposes. Unless I'm endangering myself or someone else by doing so. The use of Methamphetamine for example would be endangering someone. So there is a line that shouldn't be crossed.

[@Nic-xq1bt]

My dad is living off of only *$1,200 A YEAR*. We’re from the Fortpeck tribes in Montana

[@yakkyuu12]

NO ONE FORCES anyone to buy the alcohol!!! There are millions of people who are impoverished, but, they do not all turn to drugs and alcohol!!! Poverty does not have to mean you have no sense of self pride, dignity and determination!

[@huerag4849]

No ones people suffered as the true Americans have! Until you lived in their shoes your opinion is only through your eyes!

[@borla08]

If you really think no one forces anyone to buy alcohol you never really lived with an alcoholic. Alcohol forces someone to buy alcohol. Depression helps the alcohol force someone to buy alcohol. Then the alcohol worsens their depression. If you can't even get a basic understanding of human psychology you really can't judge humans properly.

[@billysmith4183]

weird that they banned alcohol and people just found a way to get it?

[@rachelhall5486]

Weird how drugs are illegal and people still find ways to get those. Seems like prohibition doesn't work.

[@SirNic4180]

It's called will.

[@NanetteNette]

Hopefully with a cleared mind they can address the underlying issues and stop seeking to numb.

[@aaronhumphrey2009]

Apparently, they're not taught American history, were they would've learned that prohibition has already been tried . As a direct result, America created gangsters like Capone, and tens of thousands died from impure/ adulterated alcohol and associated violence. People need to remember the past, lest they repeat it's mistakes !

[@NanetteNette]

@@aaronhumphrey2009 look up the Chinese opium wars. Gotta stop the bleeding before tending to the wound.

[@Drpermer]

"The pain stays here with us", so very eloquent, it makes me sad for what we've done and continue to do.

[@Mike-tu7uw]

They need to stop blaming the “white man” for the alcohol. If they didn’t want to drink it then they wouldn’t buy it and if nobody bought it the stores would go out of business. They made it illegal so the people started bootlegging it. Self improvement starts with you.

[@daciagriffith6568]

Free enterprise, you don't buy. They go away.

[@jailbreaker1214]

no one is putting the bottles in their hands but themselves.

[@maulds7650]

This is a common dismissal to shift blame away from the government. It is a surface level argument that disregards the historical context of how natives ended up in poverty and oppression in the first place. the more the government stripped identity away from natives through assimilation the more they turned to alcohol.

[@maulds7650]

@Steve Brooks Your comment is a perfect example of my point. It is completely surface level. It is actually world history how Columbus and the colonies were indoctrinated by the pope to dehumanize anyone who wasn't christian. That's what this country is built on. So no, you don't get to wag your finger at natives when your ancestors intended for this outcome.

[@wallabing]

That's the hard truth nobody wants to talk about.

[@iknowitscrazybut9037]

Where's their tribal leaders with millions from casinos?

[@RAI13526]

I Know Its Crazy BUT sleeping well in their homes built by embezzled money. Why should anyone else feel pity when their own people are ripping them off.

[@inherentlysingular9487]

There are no casinos on Pine Ridge.

[@kawirocket88]

The Ding Ding moment for me was this community ravaged with Alcohol/Drugs but no real Recovery options? No Treatment Center or 12 Steps? No real opportunity for recovery only fuels hopelessness. I speak from experience and know the insanity of untreated alcoholism. All I have to offer are Prayers for a solution. Much respect for Native Americans I have 👍

[@NanetteNette]

Yes I couldn't agree more.

[@mucha9196]

Lord help me and these indigenous people to not get tempted to drink alcohol or take drugs please Lord the suffering it’s too much 😢😢😢

[@NC-xt7ie]

Amen

[@belarte7063]

I know a Native man who moved out from a Rez ,bought a house in a big city ,works stable jobs ,finished schools ,dont touch alcohol ,or sugary snacks for that matter ..lol...and is doing great ,brought up by single mother ....so in the end it is a choice ............he did it all on its own without any help......

[@dudeman5234]

That's so TRUE,I know that for a fact because I my country there are millions of white people who are on Centrelink/welfare and food stamps and have no reason for been pathetic and useless and many of these brainless fools drink alcohol and drugs ,so my point is ,what was their excuses .

[@spiralstairs]

4 liquor stores in a small community is not demand and supply; it's supply and depend.

[@justjuli3t]

So chilling, reminds me of the aboriginal missions here in Australia

[@zzaq234]

Irresponsible people end up at the bottom. If they have money to buy beer, they can save up enough to move somewhere where they can find a job and turn their life around. They live like this because they choose to live like this. They are not that far from the fracking fields. Six years ago, the oil companies were hiring everyone that applied and were paying really good money. A lot of people in these situations think that the rest of us are fools for going to our jobs every day. They like the alcoholic life. You can't help people who don't want your help.

[@fauxmanchu8094]

Ron Midwest Best comment. 💯💯💯

[@pesyd1374]

Why is alcohol advertising still permitted? They should ban it like they banned tobacco ads, it's a killer drug

[@robertsoto8556]

Why don't they leave the reservation and move to a major city we're there is more opportunities?

[@cocochanel6689]

There are opportunities for this ppl....They are the ones whose choice are Alcohol drugs and criminal activities! Never feel sorry for this kind!

[@sanny6295]

there arent many jobs on the rez you cant just leave without money especially to a major city, ive seen people go and come back bc they couldn't adapt like that the reply is always "its too different"

[@skycollins7314]

How are people in extreme poverty supposed to move

[@kpoplovers2638]

Start a business, think out of the box. We have alcohol problems everywhere. I live on the reservation. People choose to paint this picture like it's all bad. I choose to drink moderately. I have problems, but I choose not to run to alcohol. Alcoholics need to change self first, then rehabilitate, and become employed. We run out of excuses, we perpetuate the problem right in front of our kids and they want to leave this mortal earth. Wake up people!

[@TRUMP-oo5uy]

When i did my first powwow security i saw what a lot of my fellow indians do after the powwow event ..lots of drugs and alcohol..i feel bad for my fellow indians

[@Kevin-qn2kw]

I don't see how the court can force those alcohol stores to close. They're running a legal business. Just because the local people struggle with alcoholism doesn't mean your business should be closed permanently. There are bootleggers all over the place without the stores so what's the point? These people need to move away from this depressing place or learn to stand on their own two feet.

[@dayakwarfighter7477]

That's why I am stop drinking, alcohol is destructive, like walk in a thin ice between have fun and full blown addiction

[@Liza-gd7jf]

Yep

[@deanalinegar9956]

Okay, take away the alcohol, what about the people physically addicted to it? Are they being offered free inpatient treatment at least? Alcohol withdrawal is deadly. Addiction is a disease, not a moral deficit.