Rezball: Basketball in Lakota Nation - VICE World of Sports

Through years of federal neglect and in the midst of a cultural awakening, one sport has endured on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation: basketball.
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[@meganeddington5793]

Duuuude Robert Looks Twice told ABC News when he was a kid that he wanted to be the first Native American president. I hope he hasn’t forgotten that dream!!

[@henryjw15]

The last time there was a native American president in the americas, the civil war was going on, the french invaded mexico, and it wasn't a good time.

[@joeday397]

@@henryjw15 Evo morales in Bolivia not too long ago as well.

[@Iddun]

What’s happened to him? I hope they do a follow up

[@SEAsiaTraveler]

Well, there was a US vice president (previously a senator & representative). member of the Kaw Nation: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Curtis Dubious legacy for Native Americans, though: www.theonefeather.com/2014/02/charles-curtis-americas-indian-vice-president/

[@TheLocochico]

@@henryjw15 every time a white man was a president there was a war, every time USA invaded some country with the excuse of "defending" themselves, killed millions of people, did atrocities in Vietnam, Korea, Middle East, nuked Japan etc.

[@aquavolt4444]

Say what you want about Vice, but this was an amazing untold story that captures the true emotions of actual humans. Aka, good ass journalism.

[@carlosa.n5100]

As a Mexican with indigenous blood from the Acolhua people I wish I had the power and wealth to make a massive impact in the communities of all Natives. :/

[@henryjw15]

As a Castizo mexican I'm going to heat up some flour tortillas and spread butter over them.

[@aldoatemiscampos4518]

Once a leo turned lion now judah Thats the stupidest thing I’ve heard regarding the origins of the indigenous peoples of the americas

[@Roses78]

Aldo Atemis Campos key words “you heard” that means you have no idea how I know this. Keep listening to your white master for the history of those he oppressed.

[@cristopherespinoza1791]

Once a leo turned lion now judah you’re fucking stupid, so gullible 😂😂😂

[@Grizzlybear1914]

Carlos Netzhlt you are mestizos only dumb ass the only pure blood you will find is a mayan indigenous

[@EddieSaunsoci]

I cried while watching this, because I know their struggle and have felt their pain. When his mom started crying, I seen my mom and aunts crying. I love my people. My brothers & sisters to the north, stay strong. Aho! I met a ton of brothers and sisters from Pine Ridge while at Standing Rock.

[@rossjn9885]

Standing Rock was definitely a special moment to see people from around the world stand together. We are not forgotten.

[@SikhWitIt13]

The force of the hopes she has for her son's future is touching. Strong woman. Strong people. Respect.

[@thesteadfastangler6724]

Yea you could definitely feel their pain

[@DA1NONLYDANI88]

What I miss the most about watching rezball is the Lakota flag song and how much respect is shown on the faces of the people. But it was always odd to see outside teams not understand and show respect. I always had pity for their ignorance.

[@OverSpark65]

My father was born there. I visited that place. I’m a Standing Soldier. Pine Ridge Reservation is our home.

[@KandiRaver120]

MAKE A NETFLIX SERIES ABOUT THESE KIDS!!!!

[@Elishtakinn]

Facts

[@borisj7832]

A Netflix series came out about the Chinle Wildcats on the Navajo Reservation. It's called Basketball or Nothing and I suggest you check it out, it's pretty good

[@btran213]

@@borisj7832 yeah cooper is nice

[@sethturner5740]

kiddachi no

[@1LeAndre]

rm kim I’ve seen it it’s really goof

[@theresamartinez1382]

I’m proud to be Native American especially in this era and to be able to see positive things like this happen with my people.

[@jamalcole1985]

Theresa Martinez respect.

[@radikaul]

You’re Mexican...

[@nerdherotv9375]

@@radikaul bruh... we're mestizos, Mexican is a nationality not a race. Mestizo means we're mixed and we have native American blood, learn your facts

[@mydadcommitteddeathpacito9716]

@@radikaul Mexican isn't a race smartass

[@projectwolfman1456]

@@radikaul mexicans are native americans you idiot. Who do you think our ancestors were?

[@andriavila7032]

When moving out of the rez.. remember were you came from and have respect for you culture and be proud to say Yes I am from Lakota Nation and I am proud.

[@tontonpacute]

this is better than regular vice

[@barryirlandi4217]

tontonpacute nothing about weed or lesbianism

[@jamesrev3500]

It’s sad that not many people seem to talk about the day to day struggle of some of the Native American tribes and their culture. They are still relevant and still here! They will always be here!

[@constantineaztro9173]

thank you we will always be here from Russia to Chile

[@constantineaztro9173]

wado. hoka!

[@Danglechuk]

Oglala Lakota Nation! Some of the greatest people I've had the privilege to meet and learn from. Mitakuye Oyasin #WarriorNation

[@joannamallory2823]

I hope all those kids make it. Make a future and a better life. Break that cycle and find happiness.

[@rdprductions]

Robert Looks Twice.. Thats so cool

[@rudyceron3420]

I used to to school with him abc made a documentary about him on TV wen we was like 12 shows how kids grow up on the rez basically m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3vEoXuZbKdrjtU

[@PerriYellowBird]

Julienhaswag1 He must’ve went to Red Cloud. And you don’t have to be native to go to school on the rez!

[@pinds83]

Julienhaswag1 How do you know his race?

[@mintyrose6686]

Ikr!!!! I saw him and was like, “whooooooaaaaaa”

[@buffonia4619]

I remember him on Diane Sawyer, I hope he goes far. Still waiting to vote for him for President

[@JaySee8866]

This video hit home hard. I grew up on a reservation. Sports was the only way to keep out of trouble and keep your mind occupied while everything around you starts to drift away into darkness. I was one of the fortunate ones to go and get a college education to make good on a promise to my mom. A lot of my friends became drug addicts and alcoholics and a lot of them got affiliated with local gangs. I moved back to the reservation to make a difference. Volunteer coaching and helping clean the community is all I can do to make a difference but the struggle is imbedded in is all. I wish all these young men nothing but the best and all of the youth coming up. Much love my brothers and sisters.

[@kirakira8402]

Yoooo it’s my man Robert 😂. I went to red cloud for a while then I moved into the city then FL. I love my people! I miss the Rez sm, my family.

[@lewiswhitman1470]

Great story. I am truly saddened at how the Native Americans are treated in our country.

[@acenturyofblackmusic1655]

their country

[@calbear105]

a century of black music Scoreboard.

[@hooplists1112]

Only so much others can do for Natives now though. They have to start making changes themselves.

[@meginna8354]

This video said nothing about bad treatment in the country. Their reservations are technically different countries.

[@kraai98]

Nobody is doing anything for them. That's the problem.

[@Jayrock4life22]

Beautiful story! How isn’t this video trending!?

[@joeblo5799]

because vice was good, then becaming really shity and people were getting tired of their biases bullshit. I do agree with you about this piece and wish vice returned to making vids like this.

[@710mavdy]

This is a re upload

[@tiffanyparrish755]

Anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it. I played rezball on the Navajo nation, moved off the rez to the bigger city by playing college women’s basketball. Now, I’m coaching giving back to the youth in my hometown by encouraging them to become strong Navajo women. It is a culture shock but if I did it, anyone from the rez can do it, don’t ever settle for less. Good luck to rez ballers that desire and want to leave the rez!

[@machitecto1427]

It seems like across the nation, Native American Reservation basketball balls out. Another example are the Nez Perce tribe in Lapwai, Idaho, they have made it to the state final almost every year for the past 5. Powerful story though. Those kids are so strong for everything they have to go through.

[@colleennewholy9026]

Alex Macha Winnebago did it here in Nebraska. Those kids are heroes to everyone. Both in Winnebago, but also in Macy

[@xIG0RAWRx]

Native basketball ain't no joke lol

[@aurorahiraeth5896]

Hardin took state last year. Great Montana Rez teams.

[@joeday397]

Big waste of time,resources and talent, in the end basketball will only take ndns so far....eventually these kids end up failing to launch in life when they get a little older and realize basketball is a hobby,not a career or way to a better life.We need to focus more on academic success for our kids to get themselves ahead in life.

[@austincook2472]

To be fair idaho basketball sucks 😂

[@ximenaarevalo67]

i love watching these videos and seeing Robert Looks Twice included in this is so amazing after watching the video when he was younger as well

[@DA1NONLYDANI88]

Thank you for visiting my homeland and witnessing the struggle. Rez life is not easy. Not many doors are open for the youth on the rez. I was lucky enough to find a door and leave. But I will never forget the struggle!

[@stevevassallo4323]

As a Canadian who has spent time working with people in communities similar to Pine Ridge and witnessed the appalling living conditions, the generational pain and the outcomes of near genocidal discrimination I’ve made a choice to never sing my National Anthem or fly my country’s flag again. Best of luck to those boys and thanks for the doc.

[@SANITIZEDINC]

These kids are awesome. Such strength.

[@thefreashkidz02]

Just watched this it made me cry it touched my heart what a beautiful Mother and son , it's hard for a mother to let any of her children to go out in the world alone it takes courage from the mother and even the children .And what an amazing basket ball teams so much skill and talent .xxx

[@ravidhyani3074]

Every mom is like her mom. Very sensitive to the future of their child

[@pinds83]

Wait...wasn't Robert Looks Twice the subject of a Dateline special years ago? They only gave him 3 words here. 😕

[@jr-bp1rs]

Well this is crazy for me to see it really hurts my heart. I went out there to play ball back in 2004-2005 with my team . We showed up to one of there best basketball players had killed him self it was very hard on the reservation. It saddens me to see the same thing is going on not that I have helped since the last time we where there but we played a lot of basketball and I think we all learned a lot from the elders.

[@PlaySA]

This reminds me of the Indian college age football team that shocked Harvard way back in the beginning of football. I'm 1/8th myself but of South American ancestry and not raised in it. I just think it's amazing to see people doing their thing, especially in communities that need things to bring them together and make them stronger. Good doc

[@codthunderful]

Got to watch Omaha Sioux play ball in Nebraska. They were tough, disciplined and had crazy talent.

[@lemon9843]

We’re just Omaha, not Sioux

[@codthunderful]

Lymann walker Thank you for the clarification. I taught a boy from there who I think was Sioux, but he may have moved from South Dakota.

[@colleennewholy9026]

The Omaha are a part of the Degiha. Grouped with the Ponca, Osage and Kansa

[@TY19951001]

One of the best Vice video I've ever seen. Great storytelling. A simple basketball game reflects a mighty dream. Loved it.

[@15blackfox]

Rez Ball is always exciting to watch. Especially when 2 Rez teams go at it. Back and forth, back and forth. High energy games.

[@ThePatcam]

I wanna give that kid a hug so bad

[@charlesmartel6411]

Thats Robert Looks Twice!!!!! He was on Children of the Plains!

[@leeannaosei7962]

This is important. This is relevant.

[@jayhunter7387]

3:37 Robert Looks Twice? 🤔

[@DA1NONLYDANI88]

jay hunter Yes

[@jayhunter7387]

MZ DGIRL much respect, I am African American with, native American in me. I’ve always been intrigued by the culture of real Indians and their tribes

[@primonter6215]

More like Robert Looks Fine

[@MrShellyj]

This is beautiful! I taught a lot of these kids at a boarding school in North Dakota.

[@cassidyjennings3451]

I’ve lived in South Dakota my whole life as a white person and always felt guilty about the hardships that the Lakota people face every day because of what white people did to them. It gives me hope that media companies like vice are doing stories on the Lakota people and their struggles. Great video

[@che1518]

@Hans Grubers Goatee I agree she shouldn't feel guilty for being white, but don't go adopting a superior complex now

[@judasjunior6503]

@Hans Grubers Goatee display of power only cause your descendants were shown how to live off the land by natives. Had it not been for that u wouldn't be here commenting.

[@nicolephillips640]

@Hans Grubers Goatee👎

[@bradjohnson8100]

@Hans Grubers Goatee I am white and grew up in North Dakota and witnessed the poverty and destruction of the native Americans first hand. You 'boast' about the conquest of the native Americans by a people who possessed vastly superior weapons. If the battle field was equal weapon wise it would have been a slaughter. The Natives were a warrior culture and were superior in battle. I don't feel any guilt because of my skin color because skin color is something which no one has control over. Nevertheless, I certainly do not take any pride in it either. What happened to the native Americans is what has happened all over the world in every nation and conflict of people. The people with advanced technology or skill in war took the land and possessions of the weaker. It is man's inhumanity to man. Certainly nothing to take pride in. To the Sioux and all vanquished people may you find peace and purpose.

[@arbitrarylib]

Don't feel guilty being who you are. Just be glad you can empathize bevause of your life experience.

[@michaelcaesar5855]

I was born on pine ridge adopted at birth by a great family moved to California. It was hard growing up in the part of California as a "kid" here. I'm attending a local community college here plan to play football and make it to the NFL like Jim Thrope to show my birth family back on the Rez. I hope this summer I'll be able to visit the family on the Rez. Oglala Sioux strong.

[@rainn_koz6646]

Ha that's cool to hear I was born in California but I grew up on the rez in Montana with my family till I was about 4 or 5 but my mom got into drug and alcohol at an early age of 13 she had me at 18 but while I was there my auntie(she sister had died) and after that my mom messed up bad so I was given to my wonderful guardians who I now call my grandparents I also play basketball here in cali and when I mention that I'm native American I get a lot of crap about it like ppl say I'm lying or sum but every summer I go back to the rez and connect with my mom and family and even go to a language class and connect with my culture by going to powwows sweats and medicine lodge

[@hunterw3866]

My heart goes out to these guys. I hope they all make it. I’m rooting for you and so are so many others. You guys are going to make it.

[@connorh4254]

all theses documentary are making me cry damnnnnnnnnnn vice

[@callmefrog76]

watching mom cry for the future of her son touches the heart. she knows what the rez life can do to hope and she wants so much more for her child. you have to root for him to move forward and someday hopefully come back to help his people.

[@samanthapatton7074]

The game means a lot to the people, it’s like an escape from reality and a beacon of hope for a better future. My great grandfather is pictured in the photo shown at 2:11 and if he taught our family anything, it’s that.

[@wils-fj]

Very good very emotional, hope you all live out your dreams. God bless you all. I noticed someone, Robert Look Twice...from a short film on ABC, how u doing man...are you still gunning for President. Well u hope so mate...much love from Fiji🇫🇯

[@jameschee6240]

More power to Lakota people.

[@CrazyMonkey679]

Great story! Respect to all Native Americans, greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@zadkovichraj3246]

My goodness. I've been a critic of Vice in the past and some of Vice Sports' other work hasn't always been that excellent either. But this was an incredible video. As a non-American I've always been curious how the indigenous Americans of South Dakota live and combined with the importance of sport its amazing to see something like this.

[@MsOba11]

Thank you Vice Sports! Really enjoyed this. Keep rising Lakota Nation!

[@StandedInUtah]

I grew up in Montana near a couple reservations and played girls basketball ball against some teams from the reservations. There were some damn good players who were college material but they didn't make it. I don't know if life in college was to isolating or if they were needed back home but I know of 3 women around my age who had scholarships in the 90's but quit and are living a hard life on the reservation even now.

[@cmj_87]

The national anthem in Lakota just hits like nothing else. 😭😭 pilamaya, thank you!

[@mintyrose6686]

Yaaaaaaaaaaas Robert LooksTwice!!!!!! You fulfill that President of the United States dream, Boiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!! 😆

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

That will a great day of full circle karma.

[@gailnotsinneh2691]

It was a good & sad video, I feel the pain, but all you young kids, don't give up, there are more choices/options today, to get out there.. bless each & every one of you...

[@paulocuento9949]

best vice vid.. hope these kids make their tribe proud

[@syrono]

VICE Sports video has quality and I love'em all

[@ivanruiz-albor5503]

Don't lose hope for the rez. Leave for a bit, but come back and help your people. Never forget where you came from, and don't forget who you are!

[@picho5553]

I have a friend at the San Manuel Rez in San Bernardino CA. I have the honor to chill up there. I feel alive when I'm up there.😀✌️

[@bcanalogo6131]

I'm a native Mexican and I feel like these people, the lakota people are an extension of me, I see in them a lot of my features.

[@wisewarrior9222]

Native americans are our cousins

[@suuwooski6416]

Bro bcs our ancestors were meztisos. Half native half soaniard etc. Im white af, light hair etc but also mexican and we share the same facial feats as them such as jaw and eyes, hair etc.

[@ashikana21]

Mitakuye oyasin

[@alanharper4910]

you get a free check monthly and place to stay for free too 😂😂reservations are filled with some of the laziest people in America no excuse not to work in this country and you get your education paid for free too 😂😂shot I worked a job and paid for college you pussies

[@grewiestiffin]

most mexicans are our cousins, a lot of you just don’t know it or don’t want to be. you still get love from us regardless 🤞🏽

[@leiacomenetz6172]

Thanks to Vice-sports division--for this most need it & wonderful video. Sending both teams---The Red Cloud Worriers & The Pine Ridge team my best wishes. Do a great job in college & truly find and use each and every opportunity you got to make a difference. One suggestion: The University of Minnesota has a strong American Indian community. Has the American Indian learning resource center, American Indian Student center, American Indian studies; plus American Indians are responsible for donating the land. It is a great school with many enriching and great opportunities for American Indians of all the nations. My very best to all of you.

[@kaiolives]

That exactly how it is where I live on my reservation but one of the schools is off the Rez and about 15- 30mins away and there two towns some kids who like on the northwest side of town get up like around 5 in the morning get to school that is off the Rez for a better education and the school is on the Rez is a secondary school

[@goodbuffalo811]

I grew up playing rez ball since I was in grade school at Loneman school, and on into high school, then independent basketball. Man this story brings me back to my rez, pine ridge and Thorpe ball. Wow

[@darr.2038]

I’m a full blood Native American and I live on the Rez and yeh all we do have is a court whether it’s snowing or it’s burning hot outside we still play ball no matter what and I go to SFIS ❤️💛 akicita pride ✊

[@MegaJacko4]

Omg Robert Looks Twice! I didnt even recognise him!! He has grown into a real handsome young man!!

[@issarekis2516]

Robert grew up 😌

[@elleddiana]

does vice give any updates on their stories? how are these guys doing now?

[@daveotuwa5596]

I've never heard of Rezball. I can't wait to discover what it looks like in no time! It's similar to basketball, but there are a few distinctive functions.

[@fateninja7854]

Im mescalero apache and our rez ball is a bit different but almost the same "Ehehe" respect to you guys

[@doyoan8236]

This was an awesome segment

[@Samscar03]

That beautiful, beautiful young man talking about his father such a handsome young man and it's so hard to watch him share his pain and hear his story, I wish things were different for him and everyone around him. Bless his heart and all the children in reservations. I'd love to help in any way I can. Stay strong brothers and sisters, they tried to bury us, but they forgot we were seeds! Stay strong! Let's unite and brings changes for a better life 🙏🙏🙏 The government should be condemned and punished for this BS that Carrie's on until today. Its absolutely insane how our people endure discrimination, overthrow the USGovt

[@src3360]

I was just watching a video about the Looks twice kid!! He grew into a good looking guy 🌈

[@jmich7]

How wonderful a thing you are doing everyone! Thanks a trillion.

[@iamdavid5705]

God bless these boys and people on how they live aho

[@maggillaguerrilla830]

This brought memories of my child hood playing ball and just wanting to get off the Rez and be a better person for all my people. Now as a man all I want is to move back to the Rez for the same reasons I moved off.... to be a better person for all my people ✊🏽

[@chunkybanks6276]

yo how come im jus now seeing this, i grew up thereeee! but great vid (ayy cloud)

[@coolness-vt4mu]

much love, respect, an hope for you all. the past is horrid, but the future is promising! one love

[@beavercbearing4237]

Hohou. I come from The Arapaho people. Much love, respect, and prayers to all my Sioux relatives 🙏🏽❤️💯🦅

[@grewiestiffin]

our lakota kids are so talented & strong, we’re so proud of them ❤️ i love them so much. i pray for better living & better opportunity for all of them. every generation is better than the last & our kids are the best 🤞🏽

[@johnvictory-pr9mx]

Yoooooooo!!! Grew up in Nebraska an hour from the Rez, those boys can ball!!!

[@djhernandez3206]

I LOVE YOU ALL MY NATIVE PEOPLE

[@waimeaguyz9074]

I lived on Fort Totten, Eagle Butte, and Cheyenne River reservations as an LDS missionary from 72-74. Basketball is their game. Us missionaries always got humiliated. They were naturally great. I miss the people, who were great. I want to visit but can't. I have pictures, and memories.

[@Waynimations]

Vice sports is great. I learn so much about the world

[@12Piece1]

This is awesome. I have family there on my mom's side but don't know them that well as I don't live there. I've been there a couple times though and met some: )

[@sho6980]

good luck to you guys! you are all amazing

[@seymourbeetle]

Y'all are making me cry over here

[@naytch_cha_beatz]

More videos about the rez!

[@crosstatt7441]

Hopefully, there will be more and more Native American NBA and WNBA players.

[@tt-nx6rx]

This makes me proud to be oglala Sioux. I'm glad to see someone from the red who is going to make it on their own. Good for him.

[@crownflow305]

2:08 min looks like this guy stole my picture of my brother and cousin from Guatemala 😂 I swear

[@karenkimpton1347]

Thank you for sharing your story...😊

[@whatever_it_takes6691]

It would have been cool to see a Hoop Dreams type documentary about this school. Did that kid turn out okay? I bet he did.

[@lexthanexpected]

buddy rocking the vancouver grizzlies toque #respect

[@ravennelson827]

The place where one life can make a difference....one person can change the world they live in... Tenfold blessing to all who make that difference...

[@jessicaruano8045]

6;35 wise words from mom!

[@ezraleslie1361]

I hope so Lakota friends. Wishing you and your people prosperity into the deep future, there's much your cultures can teach America's other inhabitants. Stay strong and stay committed 🙏🏽

[@tannercannon7852]

that guys name is "Robert Looks Twice"

[@ninajanis3434]

Tanner Cannon you’d understand Native American names if you WERE Native American

[@chunhaylee]

A really good name for a basketball player

[@sashimi_lives_on]

I used to work at Rosebud and their names were pretty badd ass - Whirlwind Soldier, Burning Breast, First In Trouble, Smashed Ice, etc...

[@ninajanis3434]

Ngoc Tran yes alot of people from my reservation pine ridge , we have a lot of people with cool ass last names

[@missriss3377]

@Hans Grubers Goatee idk compared to you people.. not that many...

[@swordpegasus4032]

Awesome I love basketball it's my favourite sport. 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭😀😀😀😀🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@daggerthree]

Great story guys. Keep up the good work.

[@BlueprintsForHeadaches]

I wouldn’t be here if my grandma didn’t leave the Rez and that’s a fact.

[@hugofarias7339]

basketball is a sport based in the tlachtl,the mayan ball,for those who dont know this yet.googlim about this,its a interesting assunt.

[@laffilmfest3759]

Powerful!!.....thank you....

[@codycos]

I think the Sioux native americans are genetically very good runners. Kind of like how certain ethnicity\ies like Kenyans dominate marathons, this particular group of native americans can be great runners.

[@biker944]

Sal does a good job narrating

[@chunhaylee]

very touching