Finally Home on Pine Ridge Reservation

As it says in the second slide, this is the story of my friends who live on Pine Ridge Reservation and their struggle to find a home of their own. They lived in 7 homes in 6 years. They weren't all pretty. They had this house blessed. I'm glad.

[@Shoepholio]

I just watched this for the first time and honestly don't know how your friends made it through the nightmarish 6-year ordeal they endured. They have a strength and resilience that I don't think I could have possessed if I had been in their situation. As sad as this video was at times, it was also extremely moving and inspirational as well. Your friends' story truly shows that no matter how hard it gets, that there is always hope and to never give up, which they certainly didn't.

[@truth4afew]

very nice video. glad they found a home, but sorry they lost their daughter. These issues deserve more attention and understanding.

[@bettyb22111896]

@MrWhalen80 My friends were not "waiting around" for 10 yrs for someone to find a home for them. The only housing that exists on the reservation is either privately owned (and way to expensive for most folks in a place with 80-90% unemployment because no jobs exist) or tribal owned. In order to obtain a tribal housing home, you must fill out an application and be put on a waiting list. They were on that list for 10 years due to the nepotism and corruption that sadly exists on the reservation.

[@Tippy2forU]

Thank you for this video. My mother really should see this. I am not Native but many people seem to think Natives are happy being on the rez in poverty. There is no way to explain this to her.

[@bettyb22111896]

One of the biggest problems is that you can't have what doesn't exist. With no jobs available, 90% are unemployed. With no homes available, it's tough to have a roof over your head, with or without welfare assistance. With no transportation, it's tough just to get to the market. There are so many things missing that it is difficult to make a start.

[@MrWhalen80]

You are right about the nepotism and corruption, that the Tribal council thrives on. I think that this and all other families who live under those conditions need to go live off the Rez where they can get some real help, instead of relying on theri own people(tribal Gov) who do not want to help them. But, there are also 1000's of people coming to this country every year with less than a dollar in their pockets, and are able to make it just fine. Its not easy, but its possible

[@vivaloriflamme]

I'm watching this wrapped up in blankets because I can only afford to heat this room to 60. The hot water heater is off because it's also electric (expensive). When the food is gone from the fridge, we'll turn that off, too, and use an icebox outside. No TV so no cable. Just internet service. Plastic and homemade insulated drapes on the windows and doors. Looking for more work. This is unpleasant but those people have kids and it has been YEARS of shifting around. Congrats to them.

[@moondancer72]

Its not as black n white as well they put themselves into that position. I have lived in that condition (NOT on rez) I was a state lic nurse and got injured in a state funded facility. No big pay outs for the states gross under care of a nursing home. I have along with my kids live on less then min wage in the states. I am not on welfare, my kids have struggled. HOWEVER this stems from a long line of abuse by higher ups both in the US gov n the Tribe.

[@brl0360]

maybe not enough jobs for everyone.

[@MrWhalen80]

Why were they waiting aound for someone else to find ahome for them? 10 years, WOW, the problem with alot of the people on that reservation is that they just wait for a handout and expect people to provide things for them. Some examples are housing, food, heating oil, entertainment, jobs and health care.This is their challenge and they need to learn how to break that habit or they will continue to live under the conditions that they consiously and unconsiously accept.