The Awful Reality Of Life On Wyoming's Largest Reservation

[@NickJohnson]

Here's my entire Mountain West Road Trip playlist from my travels: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4HTZWWDfalokKs

[@sheridaducky-xk6lx]

I wish I liked the cold, I'd move there and be fine living in poverty.

[@MichaelG-n5y]

Say let me ask you something first of all they should of never let you on the REZ your journalism is the worst people like you always think u are better then everyone else that is until something happens to you then you cry and want the compassion you didn’t show to my people nick I don’t know if you are Native American or just another white guy doing a whole lot of criticizing of my people yes I’m proud Native American Indian your storytelling here only tells of the bad side of my people you should check yourself because it’s people like you your not part of the solution yet your part of the problem for siting here pointing out the bad part of the rez yet you don’t say what are you doing to help the plight of the Shoshone or any tribe for that matter it’s easy to get in your car and drive through the rez and critique every damn thing you see yet it was the white government that has always put us on these lands you need to go back and read history for what it really is young man !! Have you ever lived on the Rez you must not know our true lives we are a proud people we’ve done what others could not which is to make something out of nothing I can’t stand to sit here and hear u talk like you know what your talking about my mother father they were hard working people my mother proud of my uncles mother they worked the land yes nick there is poverty and a lot of it self brought on but this is how much u know about my people there is hope in a lot of our young people that they not forget who they are so that they don’t repeat history by falling in the snares of life nick you told one side in every culture nick there has been some form of Adversity that as a people they have had to overcome so you can get in your car and drive to every reservation in the world yet like I told you before for one you don’t know nothing about my people two poverty is everywhere and the biggest one NICK JOHNSON what have you done for the Native American Indian if it bothers to the point that you made this silly video if your not part of the solution nick Johnson than your really part of the problem for the mere fact that your just driving around picking out poverty if anyone is poor it’s you for not seeing the true beauty in my yes my people please don’t even say your native cause whenever you ask any white man they say I’m Cherokee when in reality all they are is colonialism at it’s finest Shoshone my brothers should not let this character even on the Rez I bet if you would of told them what you are doing they wouldn’t have let u on sad case of a man

[@christianmitchell5195]

It's looks kinda empty there my friend... is it because even though the population there is moderate? And there is such a large amount of land ?

[@JM-hl2gy]

I don't like your reference to Indigenous people as they and them and you comment that they kind of like it like this living in poverty such a biased comment. Typical comment.

[@verohamer8245]

💯

[@MrMichaelAndrews1]

Met a native man who saved me from being stranded in the Wyoming desert. What an amazing man from the wind river reservation

[@go.gators]

❤

[@melaniemoss384]

Thank you for featuring our reservation. I grew up in Ethete. I dont drink or do drugs. I work for a living i dont get assistance of any kind.

[@markpatceg5582]

Other than your monthly tribal check, right?

[@carolynbrubaker1619]

@@markpatceg5582 FYI the per capita checks are royalties from the oil wells. It doesn't come from the government

[@Rebander1549]

@@melaniemoss384 you are a Rockstar!! You go!! And keep going on your path, superwoman!!

[@melaniemoss384]

@Rebander1549 I'm not sure if your response was a compliment or if it's sarcasm

[@Rebander1549]

@@melaniemoss384 it's a compliment! You are a strong person and have chosen a healthy way of life which is great! I admire your strength 💪.

[@davidgingerich2230]

You said it right. The U.S. govt sends millions to help poor countries and yet won't help Americas first Americans.

[@mylifeisbeautiful5242]

The U.S.govt never sent millions to poor countries. The U.S.govt makes the other countries poor. Ukraine is the one if them.

[@darleneprice3492]

You are wrong. AMERICA does help it's own. We have chips,wic,snap,food banks. We ĥave Medicare medicaid and Obama care. We have housing assistance.senior centers that provide meals on wheels. We have education for any one who wants to get off their butts and go to school. We have job training centers all over America as well as trade centers. What we don't have is a class of people willing to take responsibility for their own lives just want to sit around with their hands out and complain.

[@chczs]

​@@darleneprice3492Same in Brazil but even worst than USA .

[@geraldvaldez1206]

Born and raised in Ethete, you passed the run down home I was raised in. Good video, thank you for bringing awareness to poverty!

[@TheRogueRadio]

I raised my kids in Shoshoni, WY. my son graduated in 2003 with a whopping 20 kids in his class! It was a good place to raise a family.

[@lauradavis4848]

I moved there with my parents in 1991 I believe it was. We were from TX, had lived in Nebraska before and in Idaho before. Moved to Shoshoni and the first person we met was our neighbor who was from the same town in Nebraska we had lived in. She was a teacher. Then we met a young couple and their 2 small kids from TX. We moved there because there was supposed to be a job starting my dad was going to work. They told him to go there and it would start in a few weeks. We got there the end of June, and I got a job at a new restaurant/Steak house that was opening the next week. I loved the job, loved the owner and another lady there. The job never started for my dad, and sometime in late Aug I asked someone at work what the gates were for at each end of town. They told me, oh we have to close the town off at times in the winter due to snow and white out conditions. I went home that night and told my parents, I was moving back to TX lol I wasn't getting stuck in snow and unable to leave. We left in Sept. It was a beautiful area. And it looks so sad and run down now.

[@marlasiebler]

we lived there during that time as well , and so many good people in that little town, not to mention a good school!I miss the people !

[@MissX905]

I'm a Native First Nations person from Canada you know what the Native people won't help each other much. I got lost out by a reserve next to a city out West so I knocked on a door late at night because the light was on to ask directions. Well this guy came out and yelled at me and said he'd hit me over the head with an axe, well I got off his property pretty quick and his dogs nearly bit me too. I was scared. Drugs are taking over a lot of reserves. Our own people are the pushers all for the $. Overdose stats are going up as well as suicides. It's pretty grim on some communities in Canada too ☹. Poor housing and no jobs. Houses are being burned up from it being a "meth house".

[@MissX905]

On another reserve they called the police on me because I only went in to get warm in the winter (wasn't buying anything) as I was waiting for a bus by the highway but it was running late. It must have went by while I was in trying to get warm so I was walking to someone's house got a ride to the house wasn't there half an hour and the police showed up and said the local gas bar had called on me. I hadn't done anything wrong. I sure was mad. I never went back there

[@rogern9696]

Pretty biased comments from you.

[@MissX905]

@@rogern9696 Are you a First Nations person? I'm just telling some yes some of the things that have happened to me as a 1st Nations person and how it's not always so rosy and kind.

[@laurac.405]

So sorry to hear your experiences. I too am from Canada, and live next to a reserve which has its own set of issues. I think one of the biggest problems is the clear hoarding disorders and obesity/health issues that many on these reserves seems to have - which I've seen a lot in drug-addicted/welfare households. A lot of generational sin going on, that's for sure. Change starts in the home. When the family breaks down, so do values and morals. The government doesn't realise this, and I don't think your people fully do either. There must be something that can be done, but what?

[@MissX905]

@@laurac.405 The head Native chiefs need to do something with the drug problems and suicides, my people need help NOW not tomorrow. No jobs doesn't help matters neither, so sad what is happening everywhere.

[@mikedkc]

One of your most profound videos. Thank you Nick for your honest and truthful assessment of our USA culture. I love your work.

[@NickJohnson]

Ok Mike!

[@markpatceg5582]

Nick's comments are typical of visitors to this area. Live here a while, you'll understand more. Scott will not demean the unhealthy aspects of his culture and people. Truly honest and frank conversations need to be had to fully address the issues. Some are not issues at all, just perceptions from outsiders. Like the inner cities, impoverished regions and nations, etc. most need to leave if they seek a better (different) life. Neer-do-wells tend to promote neer-do-wellness!

[@aracnadei13]

I contracted for the BIA and went to several reservations years ago. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the conditions of many of these areas. Often there is a gas station and maybe a store or deli. There is no real businesses there to work or move money around in the local economy. There is definitely a culture of shaming people who want to do better, so between that and the lack of opportunities it is easy to see why achievers don't stick around. Some of the nicest people I've ever met in my life which makes everything all the harder to witness.

[@michaelbrinks8089]

I think part of the problem is being so remote and isolated...Like any other small isolated town. There isn't much to see and learn from. That can be taken in and passed along.

[@jahmanborneo1343]

Where's all that casino money? So much blame is put on the American government (which is fine, except, at some point they have to accept some of the blame of their current situation), at what point do tribal leaders say...hmmm maybe we should help OUR OWN PEOPLE. Good land? Humans turned the desert southwest into thriving metropolises. BS.

[@aracnadei13]

@@jahmanborneo1343 I won't be able to do the situation a proper explanation in a comment so I encourage you to speak to some Natives and they would be happy to discuss. We're talking about many people in many areas, so there isn't a single answer. I can say that corruption is common, and theft or control of the money by a single or group of families happens frequently. In my experience they aren't blaming the government at all and are trying to do better against the odds. The history is incredibly heartbreaking when you actually meet the people and learn about their culture. Some of the most kind, thoughtful and generous people I have ever met in my life and the least deserving of what has happened to them in the past.

[@davehughesfarm7983]

what about inner city blatts...they pretty nice too?@@aracnadei13

[@MichielVanKets]

what about all the horrific crimes your government has committed, why don't you mention that ?!?

[@jonheredia8789]

Great job nick...I have traveled all over this beautiful country many times over and have been through 30 countries around the world and can appreciate the humility of the native communities. Thanks for reminding us of the simple things we should appreciate and embrace.

[@johnledingham852]

From way down here in Australia I've subscribed to your channel, and follow along with you as you take us on journies around America. I really enjoy your research into your topic, along with your casual commentary. You certainly expend yourself and are very passionate about your work. I loved your interview with Scott and inviting him to express himself about the situations today on reservations. Those dwellings in the reservation in Wyoming must be extremely cold in the northern winter. He didn't complain about that. In fact he didn't complain about anything. Maybe those gentle native Americans can teach us all a lesson in being grateful and long suffering.

[@wot4922]

I'm South African and I agree with all your sentiments with regards to Nick and the Native peoples of the US. Well said.✌🇿🇦

[@WilliamtheWorst]

Most of the nicest people I've met were also the poorest.

[@carinarilk89]

So true ❤

[@danielschear556]

​​@@carinarilk89I prefer to be mean with money.💵😉

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Or happy and nice with money 🤗🏛💰

[@ItsaRomeThingEverydayallday]

That's because us poorer people tend to not take anything for granted including social interaction

[@dustincredible1249]

I wouldn't care about money ither if I got free land a free house free food and free education! I need money for food and mortgage lol

[@janedelaney7]

A humble life, even with challenges. I have much respect for Native American perseverance.

[@asullivan4047]

Won't be long before the Indians are further forgotten. With the influx of the Illigals receiving benefits they never worked for or earned.

[@tundrawomansays694]

When you have nothing you have nothing to loose. Perseverance is baked right into our DNA.

[@r.mucklin1703]

@@tundrawomansays694 That's sort of like my zen philosophy and why I personally live a very spartan and simple life: If I have nothing much I also don't have much to lose, and therefore I'm more free in many ways than a rich person is. In fact, I live in fire-prone country near national forest land, and a year ago my area was evacuated for 12 days due to fire danger, so we didn't know if our houses would still be there when we were allowed back. While people lamented over their potential losses, I had everything I treasured in my car (very little) and didn't care if my house was still there. I admit it would have been inconvenient, but there was nothing about that house or its contents that I felt a sentimental attachment to. It all depends on how you view freedom, and above all things that is the most important thing to me. My family went through WWII in Europe and lost everything but the clothes on their backs, but most of them survived, and that was the important thing. Everything else turned out to be completely unimportant.

[@EthanRKassel]

I passed through just west of the reservation when I went from Rock Springs to Tetons. Pinedale was beautiful!

[@stephaniemccord6100]

Yeah and so is Jackson but you have to have money to live there.

[@mattycakes1161]

Reservations are weird places. I've seen rich reservations, but many are stuck in extreme poverty, equal to a really bad part of the hood, drunks stumbling around, trash everywhere. Much like our politicians, their wealthy tribal elders also do nothing to help regular people, which is sad considering they don't have that many people to take care of.

[@r.mucklin1703]

I agree that all too often the tribal elders are just as corrupt as other politicians, and don't do much to help their people. They are exactly like other humans,mostly in it for themselves, and like everywhere else, there are the exceptions.

[@ginakelley749]

The government said, they were taking care of the needs of the people on the Reservations, but that was just another lie! They relied on private donors to clothe their kids, school supplies, food, seeds, fuel to supply all the distant reservations with food. I've lived on an Indian Reservation myself in S.D.!

[@kb_9880]

There isn't much to do! Alcoholism is hard to treat - it's a neuropsychiatric disease. Drugs is rampant too and it's tough to treat people. It's really sad. It's tough living on the reservation. There are some wealthy tribes but they also have their own issues.

[@JoeGoldberg577_]

Why can’t they just get a job ?

[@Fidel_Cashflo414]

Boozhoo, which means "HELLO" in "OJIBWE" which is my native language. I'm originally from Red Lake, Minnesota. If you're NOT on Counsel which is basically our government, there's ZERO opportunity to grow as a HUMAN. It's sad actually seeing so many of my people struggling day to day. I'm glad, I left when I was 19, never looked back besides to stay in contact with family. 💯🤙🏽 Edit: If you live off the REZ and go back, they treat YOU different because they feel like we think we're better than them because we wanted something better and more opportunities for OUR kids futures, that's all. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@yelapa999]

Had a Native American college dorm mate and your post portrays the exact bent of his thinking at the time, the early 70's. The game is the game. Same as it ever was, I guess.

[@catalhuyuk7]

It really is horrible how so many Indigenous people follow the playbook of non Natives. I was hoping it would be the other way around. Greed is one of the worst afflictions of the human species.

[@corrinnacorrinna5572]

It is the same in WV. People need to free their minds. Idk how many times I've heard, "You've got above your raising." When you come from poverty, you just have to work harder & longer to break the chains.

[@ActionesSecundumFidei]

Boozhoo I'm also a Red Lake member and you are 100% correct

[@RatsJones]

600,000,000 mill from casinos. Same there as everywhere else. Greed! Rich get richer and poor poorer. Very sad situation for them and all poor folks.

[@TheDonellMorgan]

I grew up on Wind River Reservation. I graduated HS & college. I live in both Los Angeles & Ethete, Wyoming on Wind River Reservation. Scott Ratliff is my friend. He also was my college counselor. Wonderful man 😊. I have several different ideas why poverty is so prevalent on Reservations. Mainly because I also lived on 7 different Reservations allover the North.

[@harmlessdove1980]

Never heard of you

[@r.mucklin1703]

I would personally love to hear some of your ideas about why poverty is so prevalent on the reservations. Having been to the Wind River Reservation and also spent some time on the Navajo Reservation, I have my own impressions, which are likely very superficial, but would love to know more.

[@mikebryant614]

Henscii - As a member of the Muscogee Nation, sadly I am no stranger to the conditions on many Reservations. I'd like every one of you watching this video to look hard at it, and then ask yourselves if you think that what the Kansas City Chiefs , or the Washington Red Skins , call their Sports Teams is the most pressing issue on these Rez peoples minds, or one of their biggest , most urgent " problems". Activists focus on meaningless issues like this because it is low to no effort,low hanging fruit that they can " pick" from the comfort and safety of their couch .Real problems require REAL effort to address, and you won't see any of these "Activists" worried about Sports Teams names on any Rez, digging ditches for water lines or setting up phone poles for electricity or phone service.Oh no, you won't see that , and that's why nothing ever changes.Wado.

[@stevec2665]

Is that really true Mike that people are shamed for wanting a better life? If that's true then I don't see much of anything getting better.

[@jamesconner3437]

This series of videos on reservation life should be required study in all US schools. I'm sure that some do-gooder liberal ( and conservative) kids would want to join a modern movement to help, but they just don't know. I personally never knew how little interaction between US citizens and tribal nation citizens exists. And I still don't understand whether casinos are a help or a curse.

[@mikebryant614]

@@jamesconner3437 I should have been more clear, my comments were directed to the native american activists who get on TV and rail about how sports teams names are " offending Indians". We got 99 problems on The Rez, and that aint one of em. Those people do NOT speak for the majority of native americans .I have, in fact, witnessed white church group volunteers on a Rez, digging water line trenches , and setting phone /power poles , and i cant tell you how much it was appreciated.

[@jamesconner3437]

@mikebryant614 Thanks for the response. Understood, but I get even more upset with "white" copy-cats who haven't researched before copying.

[@jenifersarver761]

So true. No one really cares about optics but performing activism is all about show. But actual help- oh goodness that costs money- scary socialism. Brainless people

[@majordolbyscat]

Wonderful Nick. I was swept away by the gorgeous landscapes that surround the reservation, but left feeling a deep sense of melancholy by those that call it home. It got me thinking about a small town close to where I grew up in SW England, that, to keep money circulating in their community they invented what was called the “Totnes pound” for quite sometime it helped keep small businesses in the town afloat. Perhaps something that might be adopted on the reservations? For the future I am sure we will soon see a huge turnaround and success for smaller communities that stick together. As always love this series. Best wishes from England.

[@griswald7156]

So all transactions have to be weighed ? I suppose it could work…

[@tellmemore8837]

Never heard of Totnes pound before.

[@griswald7156]

What’s a Totnes?

[@davidryansargent6731]

Why are there so many houses boarded up with so many homeless people?

[@majordolbyscat]

@@griswald7156 A small town in Devonshire, England that is steeped in history and, unlike a lot of what the UK has forgotten, heritage

[@itodd6089]

I cannot stand what our government has done to Native Americans.

[@sanbetski]

i share your sentiments, its shameful

[@davehughesfarm7983]

i cant stand how they are wrecking the country now...Its 10 -50 times worst what they are doing..

[@davehughesfarm7983]

those indians are free to go do what ever they want just like anyone else

[@SourceConduit-cn9zq]

And what they done RECENTLY in Maui to naitives there.

[@RichardPeterson-de2fh]

And what it’s doing to us other Americans.

[@glasslinger]

When dividing the amount of government subsidies to the area it comes to over $40,000 per person. So, why is everyone so poor? IT IS CORRUPTION IN THE RESERVATION ITSELF! Certain people (reservation big shots) are millionaires while the people they are supposed to look after get a pittance. Until the laws regulating the disposition of grant money are changed there is no help for this situation.

[@ابراهيم_محمد_الازهر]

EMBEZZLEMENT

[@ajf5823]

I’m surprised that they don’t fix up the abandoned houses and alleviate their housing shortage. I’d rather live there than any big city. I’ve been to that part of Wyoming and it’s pretty country. Lander is a wonderful little town.

[@bighilltom]

THANK YOU NICK for showing us America GREAT JOB!

[@jeffm4491]

As Always, Nick delivers the latest boots on the ground documentary of America as it is today

[@shosmyth1454]

Thank you for shedding light on Indian Reservation

[@driftlesshermit]

Really enjoyed the interview with Scott. Thanks.

[@NickJohnson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BajatheChickenMan]

I used to want to live in Wyoming when I was young until the first time I visited and learned that most of the state that you can afford to live in is one giant wind tunnel.

[@TheRogueRadio]

True story

[@jinshin9199]

What a great discussion. In Hawaii we are going through a lot of the same issues. Thank you!!!

[@toms8883]

Share that casino money! Thanks for making the point.

[@NinaSedillos]

Share it with who, exactly?

[@californiadreamer2580]

Interesting and beautiful view of a different part of the USA. Thanks for taking us along!

[@amicaaranearum]

Beautiful scenery. I like seeing people and places I don’t know much about.

[@caroljones-y1p]

This is my favorite of many of your videos I've watched. The interview with Scott Ratliff helped my understanding of some issues between natives and nots. The scenery is quite unique.

[@NickJohnson]

Good!

[@tew1947]

Thanks!

[@Rebander1549]

I'm a southeast Alaska native American. I've lived most of my life here and although there is only one reservation in Alaska the poverty is the same. I'm convinced that the USA government is so proud of how they care for us!! Not only do we endure poverty but we die so young. 😢 Of course we know that America can do much better in dealing with natives but they won't. They blame the victims, the natives even if the treaties made by the USA, promised to protect and care for the natives forever.

[@MichelleNovalee]

The US welfare system is the reason many Indians are stuck in this situation as well as black people who live in the ghettos. The welfare system was designed to keep people poor. Before the welfare system was implemented, these black ghettos didn’t exist the way they do today. If you rely on the US government to take care of you, this is how it will look. There’s a better way than relying on daddy government. John Stossel has a special on it explaining this.

[@frankjones3671]

Perhaps!! Ifns you on reservation s you needs better s education toos understand the treaties of s Americans natives !!. There's nodoubts you have mores comings toos you all's !! As natives As Americans!! Holds Ups government feet's toos 🔥 you nodoubts have consulutts boards ons your reservations , Middles man's that deals with government s ! It's a good s starting s place hopefully you'll goes support your tribes needs ! As natives Americans are aprouds people's !! So this is beings spokes with reals respects toos yous all's!! We feels your losses , lands waters ECT. Don't let noones takes you prouds spirits ! Or your cultural s ways as they're so awesome delightfuls amazing unmatched any where's without doubts your dance s as spiritual beliefs ect. Bless you all's forevers thank you

[@greybone777]

God helps those who help themselves. 🙏

[@1Surt]

Reality Check: You are not native Americans as there was no America prior to my ancestors creating America. White people are the true Native Americans. As for the treaties, we are still paying you folks for nothing.

[@Rebander1549]

@@greybone777 that's why native Americans are still here!!

[@ytgytgy]

If you ever come to NW MI, there's a very small res. north of Sutton's Bay called Peshawbestown. The surrounding area is full of WASP millionaires/billionaires and their mansions, but you notice the extreme poverty when the highway goes through P-town. It's a depressing contrast to witness.

[@cob705]

Yep, shout out from Owens Valley, California, tell my homie Tom Shomin there "Ahnee" from Paiute Nation

[@MsHillsdale]

Riverton is also on the Wind River Reservation. And yes, the prairie/high desert country is valuable. For livestock. And both tribes (shoshone and arapahoe) are building good herds.

[@ChristopherFodor]

Having you main revenue being casinos isn't really a good option. Casinos make as many problems as they help

[@CharmichaelJames]

true that especially when the tribal government is as corrupt as the federal government which imposes rules and regulations which those tribes have to follow in order to have casinos. and part of the problem is that the federal government makes it so the people of those tribes are laa to to get anything from gaming revenues if anything at all. and the tribal governments don't fight to change that so all members could prosper. but I fact find way to keep gaming revenues from their people, find way to line their own pockets and bank accounts. I know as I live in a rez with at least five casinos and a vast majority of the members are still in the poverty level. and people who know this tibe I speak of assume that all the people are rich are wrong only a few get that money. I bet last time a per-capita of gaming revenues was paid out was back in 2009. nothing since then, and there a tribal members who qualified for per-capita and turning 18 to get that money that was put in a bank. but they're lucky if they can get a decent amount considering the interest it should've gained being held till those individuals were of age to get the money. because tribal council has now made it so they can dip into that account. sad that I often heard the chairman and others in council say we're native americans and take care of each other. but yet they really don't. perhaps they did back before tribes became white (no offense intended) but I always see native people trying to be native or indigenous. guess we truly have forgotten who we are.

[@mksolid82]

Geez, all that wide open land and not one Indian on screen for the first 20 minutes until Nick interviews Scott. 😅

[@jcsftwre]

Way better than living in Portland Oregon!

[@MichelleNovalee]

I stayed in Riverton recently and was actually quite impressed with how nice the town was being that it’s within the reservation. Montana’s Blackfeet Indian reservation east of Glacier National Park was another story. Their big town was very poor and run down and it was quite sad.

[@sheripacori2097]

I visited a area in Montana with 5 or 6 streets of natives living. It's was really stark and a lonely place. That's all I remember. It didn't feel right.

[@goombah226]

You're lucky you escaped with your scalp!

[@ytgytgy]

@@goombah226 ok

[@lonayork591]

Browning.

[@jovanapleskonjic5726]

So its about THE people doing something with the land and community...

[@christianmitchell5195]

This is very interesting. I don't get to travel much anymore but watching the videos you record makes me feel like I'm actually there. Thanks for what you do. I'm a fan

[@humboldthammer]

Consider that never before NOW -- not in the entire history of humanity -- have so many educated people lived so freely and so abundantly. And for just 17+ years, since Google bought KZbin and TV went digital in 2006, we have been CONNECTED to a Shared, Worldwide Experience with near-instant communication. It is GUARANTEED to Wake "THIS" Generation Up! Epochal Eclipse a CROSS North America on April 8th 2024. Don't stare at the sun: Matthew 16: 4. Exercise faith -- Jonah 3: 5. 8

[@TheCe1conroy]

Thank you for covering life on the Rez, Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota Reservation in South Dakota is similar to

[@littlebrookreader949]

I really enjoyed this one! 👍👍. I really appreciate watching! Sending love and blessings to the Native People! ❤️❤️❤️ And oh yeah, THANK YOU!

[@thomasfranco5997]

I have been to Moscow, Russia 5 years ago. OMG! it is so clean, very beautiful City. I got a lot of back lash and I was told the small towns out there are pretty bad. So! I guess it is everywhere.

[@357_SWAGNUM_MAGA_X]

Too bad people only live to 18 in Russia, CNN said so

[@WANDERER0070]

Eli from Rusia has interestin vids ,also Traveling with Russell and Bald and Bankrupt 😊

[@thomasfranco5997]

@@WANDERER0070 Thank you for the information. I was watching her video of her family living in Russia. It was like bringing back memories where my grandmother lived in a small town in Texas, and I would visit her during the summertime. Her house was old, and she lived on a dirt road. I was brought up in a Los Angeles suburb. It was way different from the way I was brought up. My father wanted me to see how he was brought up in a small town when he was a kid, Now I know why he would say save every penny that you earn.

[@FrankChernesky-ls8cr]

Nick we’ve been watching your show for some time…what an education… The elder Scott who you interviewed in the video - he was fantastic in explaining About the native people and their traditions, their life style, their feelings about What’s going in the here and now… he was bang on it… thank you. You rally help open the eyes to Americans - What’s going on in our country..that is hidden away by fake news They don’t want us to know about…thank you again.. we tell a lot of others about your show… you are not afraid to go out there and get Right to the heart of what’s going on… 🇺🇸👍

[@alisonj9533]

We have no right to call out culture, laziness etc it is everywhere. To be a native American (I am not) would be a community to be proud of tradition, family, caring and the deep spiritual life. Sitting around being spiritual would be seen as lazy as opposed to the glass ceiling to scramble for more! When it's all said and done they are where they want to be doing the best they can just as we are.

[@kimwentz442]

Always love your content. Thank you so much.

[@julianziolkowski2586]

My wife and I had the opportunity to do mission work on the navajo rez. I remember the first time we went I could not believe what I was seeing. Once you got off the paved roads it was even worse. We met some of the nicest people ever but also those who wanted my white ass off the rez. We absolutely love your show and the work you do. Your the reason my wife and I call each other mappy and Karen. Lmao. But all that said we can find that kind of poverty right here in S.C.

[@mnkwazi]

@julianziolkowski2586 when you say "mission work" were you pushing whitewashed jesus on them?

[@mayhembeading3737]

Hi there. I'm from, and living in, Casper WY. It's funny how quickly we meet isolation here. One minute I'm downtown in a bustling city of around 60,000, and within 15 minutes I'm in the middle of nearly nowhere on our tiny plot of land East of town with a pretty view of mountains. My dad spent his life working for the state of Wyoming, screening kids for the Job Corps program, getting millions in grants to help them learn skills to change their circumstances. He could tell you stories of nearly every kid he screened. Some of the stories of the kids he helped would break your heart, they did his, and that's why he did it. In fact one young man by the name of Randy, developmentally disabled, still calls my dad daily. Why? All my dad did was talk to him like a normal human being.

[@kb_9880]

Wow, you have an awesome dad. It's the kids who suffer. Some leave for better opportunities while others stay behind and get trapped in the intergenerational trauma that their ancestors suffered.

[@thecrownedonefromthechurch]

Such a gorgeous landscape ready for some upkeep and restoration

[@LittlehorseReynolds]

My native Navajo mother did the best thing for me and moved from New Mexico to Iowa to have me and to stay off the Navajo reservation. I have a MUCH better life because of it.

[@brendawhisenhunt8444]

Thank you Nick, Happy Thanksgiving!

[@mindyporter7981]

Thank you for bringing awareness to this part of our country. I recently moved to this area from DAB Florida and find it BETTER! 😅

[@DesperateForSanity]

In the old days people went to casinos to socialize. It's sad seeing individuals (including in Vegas) staring at a computer screen with no human interaction. Seems to further the isolation of shoving people onto reservations. Also Vegas was shut down for days this summer due to hackers. Wondering how an outage like that would affect more isolated casinos.

[@masajhn]

Greetings from Honduras, Nick I really enjoy your videos .. thanks for sharing

[@user-yn7on7ou8n]

Thank you Nick. Appreciate you showing how others live.

[@williambush7971]

Its always a highlight when I see a new Nick video that day.

[@masonhaggerty186]

Go to the pine ridge reservation in South Dakota it's really bad there.

[@jeffljones]

Great Video Thanks for the ride along Video and insight of the Native american People. Jeff

[@chrisksanznak9632]

Thank you Nick.. you are my favorite you tube star.. # 2 Roger from Cracked Magazine…

[@NickJohnson]

Wow yay!! ❤️❤️ Roger!

[@glendajune9140]

That was a great interview with Scott. The entire video was very interesting,& informative. Thanks Nick, safe travels.💯👍🏾😀💜✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸

[@rogerburn5132]

NICK ANOTHER BRILLIANT VIDEO GOOD INFORMATION. BIG THANKS KEEP GOING 👍👍👍👍👍

[@henriettadenzig3825]

I'm American Indian. Cherokee.greetings from ohio Good job stay safe. Hope everyone had a good day.

[@realitywinner7582]

Beautiful looking place..lovely interview too..all the best to ye and God Bless- from Ireland 🙂

[@thefreestylefrEaK]

Much respect and best wishes to the First Nations people of America.

[@salimchowdury682]

Great candid video. You have the best channel on KZbin and you seem like a genuinely lovely person.

[@NickJohnson]

I have the best channel you're right 😉

[@salimchowdury682]

I sincerely mean it. You learn a lot about this country. If you're ever back in Eastern Iowa, I'd buy you lunch. Stay safe and have a great holiday season.

[@kolsen6330]

"Any one who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him, better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford The conditions of the people living here is the result of the government "taking care of them" for the last 150 years or so.

[@moondancer334]

When you're given everything all because of your ancestry, you don't appreciate it or value it. One generation after another being given everything, don't take pride in their homes, their yards, their vehicles, their pets, their kids, their bodies, their homes look like garbage dumps. My ancestors came to this country with only a dollars in their pocket, no relatives or family here and they worked hard to make a life for themselves and their families. Some people are generationally lazy and have no desire to better themselves.

[@r.mucklin1703]

@@moondancer334 Your comment shows a lot of ignorance about what happens to a people when they have been conquered and a foreign way of life is forced upon them after their lands and freedom were taken from them and they have been herded onto reservations like zoo animals. Just imagine if China invaded the USA and you were herded into some sort of camp which was usually the most inhospitable land in the country, your name taken away, you were punished for speaking your own language, you were fed unfamiliar and sometimes rotten food, and sometimes no food at all due to corruption of the people distributing it, you were handed drugs or alcohol by the greedy newcomers which your body could not tolerate, also foods which your body could not tolerate well, your children were forced into re-education schools far from home, etc., etc. You equate your voluntary situation with that of these people, and there is no comparison. I was an immigrant also, but I came from a culture that was not far different from American culture, and so it was reasonably easy to adapt, and I wasn't herded onto a reservation and told I wasn't allowed to speak my language. Most people have been conquered at one time or another, and it takes many generations for the conquered people to adapt, sometimes after huge losses and tragedies, and the American Indian's plight is fairly recent as far as history is concerned. It will eventually work it's way out, but in the meantime help is necessary. Your situation is voluntary and you've been lucky--that's all. So get a grip!

[@CircleofShit]

Lol Henry Ford, Hitler's best buddy. He's a joke.

[@billahearn3150]

@@r.mucklin1703 150+ years should be an adequate period to adjust. It is a choice to stay and be poor. Every civilization changes and adapts over time. Some just do it more successfully than others. Japan was conquered as was Germany. Both have since recovered and thrived. There is no fence around the reservations. People can choose to leave as well as return. This is no different than what I've seen in Appalachia. There are pros and cons to every situation. Some value family togetherness and some seek a better life in another place and visit back home when they can. This is the case with the current invasion of America by millions seeking better opportunity vs fixing their homeland. Government dependency is the worst solution.

[@r.mucklin1703]

@@billahearn3150 It depends on what you adjust to. There are basic natural rules that will kill you if you flout them by "adjusting". Seems to me also that valuing family togetherness is more important than we ever thought it would be, and many of us have learned that lesson in our family-fragmented society. Also, I don't mind millions "invading" America if they invade legally, but to come here ILLEGALLY is a crime by them and our government who encourages the invasion. I agree that government dependency is the worst solution in most cases because government messes everything up, but once government makes a contract it ought to be kept. Anything else is DISHONEST.Also Native Americans are adjusting because they have to, even if they don't agree with our social values, but it takes more than 150 years; sometimes it takes many generations. In our time even some of us can't adjust because the changes have come at us so rapidly, the effects of which we are still learning about. Your lack of sensitivity is simply calloused. Who the hell are you to give any culture a time limit to adjust?

[@stephenhall5421]

Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range is the most beautiful place I’ve hiked. It is sad to see the living conditions on the Reservation

[@btetschner]

A+ video! Excellent and fascinating overview of these areas!

[@NickJohnson]

Hope you’re enjoying your thanksgiving weekend!

[@btetschner]

@@NickJohnson Hope you are too! I am very thankful I get to watch these videos too!

[@Idrem4Jeni]

I am Wyoming born and raised. I sure wish you took the time to learn the pronunciations of the towns you named. All of Wyoming faces may of the issues you speak of: suicide, poverty, and bad weather. I lived on the reservation in Wyoming many years ago. Wyoming is not an easy place to live period.

[@faustinreeder1075]

A friend of mine lives in Powell. He loves it. The only time I hear him bad mouth Wyoming is when I mention Green River. He calls it Green Liver because of all the alcoholics and meth heads who he says live there.

[@BJ-yl6ib]

Haha. He just whitened it up

[@RichardPeterson-de2fh]

Really, bad pronunciation bothers you. Go to the black hood and listen to them

[@sandraphillips7827]

Richardpetersob, how disgusting if you making generalizations about a group of people. You’re looking in the mirror believing that everything you see looking back is superio. Go wash, rinse, and iron your sheets. Then put them in. Fixed it for you.

[@TomikaKelly]

​@@RichardPeterson-de2fh What is the "black hood", Richard? Where is this place located? Who is "them"?

[@tangopaparomeo338]

Very informative video, thanks for putting this together. Good to hear the perspective of a tribal leader as well, valuable insights.

[@pdxmtngoat]

I have driven throught that area. It's all super scenic. Thermopolis is worth a stop. Soak in the thermal hot springs. Riverton seemed decent enough.Would have liked to have stayed longer. I drove through parts of that reservation. It has some of the the most beautiful mountain scenery I have ever seen. Thanks Nick, for sharing parts of the Shoshone Nation with us.

[@harmlessdove1980]

Riverton is nice but now that I know white prior took it over just because they are the majority is deplorable to me. I hope the natives get it back from white supremacists.

[@AcuraLvR82]

2:53 beautiful sunrise you captured there on film.

[@NickJohnson]

Digital camera haha

[@sr-5568]

I went to a gun show years ago in Riverton and met a woman named pepper of the Lakota tribe spent three days with her.she showed me a lot of good and bad of the reservation. She was a dream walker and visited me many times I will never forget her.

[@cedricliggins7528]

Does pepper still live in Riverton?

[@sr-5568]

As far as I know.

[@teresahardy9962]

Sad they are really the true Americans and deserve better.

[@annhowcroft9493]

The movie Wind River showed an example of the missing Native American women that end up missing or murdered.

[@trollerjakthetrollinggod-e7761]

Yes, since the US effectively legalized violent crime against Native Americans, thousands have been murdered.

[@MarcHasaraMarcHasara]

Good interview Nick. Thanks.

[@theahalme]

Stay safe out there Nick! Happy Thanksgiving!!! ✌️😎👍✝️🌼🤍🕊️🕯️🦃🥧🍁🍎🍠🍽️

[@carinarilk89]

Hi Nick, nice to see and hear you again. I send the best wishes. I love your video❤

[@fumedrummer]

My understanding is that the residents aren't allowed to own the land that the houses are on. That means that no one can get loans with the home as collateral, so there's no entrepreneurship.

[@kb_9880]

The land they are on is on federal land. The rules are different and makes it even harder to bring in jobs - a walmart, a public library, etc.,

[@patrickbrooks2416]

You should visit the mountain area. Great amount of good country... well watered etc. Met a teacher who teaches on the reservation. Told me that 85 % of the children are raised by grandparents. Why ? Drugs and alcohol are pervasive.

[@kb_9880]

Very sad!

[@wdh47211]

It's sad the way our Native American people are treated. The drug abuse and alcoholism not to mention the rate of suicide is off the charts.

[@alk3078]

No one is forcing them to stay there. They could go anywhere in the country and get a job, just like the rest of us can.

[@johnjaco5544]

Don't forget,poverty,education,lack of health care,lack of jobs,just to name a few.

[@alk3078]

@@johnjaco5544 They have schools. Scott said that they have three clinics so they have health care.

[@simpley6256]

Iron Maiden summed it pretty well in their song Run To The Hills: White man came across the sea He brought us pain and misery He killed our tribes, he killed our creed He took our game for his own need We fought him hard, we fought him well Out on the plains we gave him hell But many came, too much for Cree Oh, will we ever be set free? Riding through dust clouds and barren wastes Galloping hard on the plains Chasing the redskins back to their holes Fighting them at their own game Murder for freedom the stab in the back Women and children are cowards, attack Run to the hills Run for your lives Run to the hills Run for your lives Soldier blue in the barren wastes Hunting and killing's a game Raping the women and wasting the men The only good Indians are tame Selling them whiskey and taking their gold Enslaving the young and destroying the old Run to the hills Run for your lives Run to the hills Run for your lives

[@catholicdudes7713]

They need some outreach programs to curb down suicide to help native american communities.

[@mm669]

Creative use of shipping pallets for a fence.

[@NinaSedillos]

They make great dog runs, too! Barns. Livestock pens. There's really not much you can't use them for!

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

3:34 at least they are houses, and not trailers, so many Indian reservations still have the old, small single-wide trailers and small shacks that were built in the 40s and early 50s

[@LittleGreyWolfForge]

Most of its trailers… that’s where I was for a while

[@minnaspinna2070]

Yes, WHY are we sending billions of dollars to foreign countries when we have our own THIRD WORLD right here. How about the government backing some corporations to invest in these tribal areas, in the people there - build factories, invest in infrastructure? Give these people a reason to live.

[@NinaSedillos]

If they wanted to spoil the only land they have with the ugliness of concrete and pollution, they would have a long time ago.

[@NewHaven203]

We always appreciate the effort you put into each and every video!

[@camelia9802]

Very interesting indeed. Thanks for uploading.

[@nicolen.9642]

Scary...if they have health issues...😢 Scott's interview is extremely interesting. Thank you Nick to take us the Native Americans reservations. Very insightful. 👍

[@angelaroberts1767]

I really loved & appreciated this episode. ❤ Thanks for your videos.

[@beereaucrat3233]

Much of America is in an advanced state of decline, not just reservations.

[@kb_9880]

True statement and our government does not care. They are more concerned about ushering in their own global government where everyone is dependent on them. Our USA country is on a decline.

[@amariev226]

Scott is a very wise man. I enjoyed listening to you interview him. Great video. New perspective for me, of that part of the country. New subscriber! Thanks for doing these types of video's.

[@pdsrunner]

Nick, you need to take a trip up to North Dakota this summer and check out Fort Berthold Reservation. Home to the 3 affiliated tribes. Huge contrast on this reservation compared to the majority around the country. It helps that the tribe has taken hold of the oil reserves and have building beautiful infrastructure for its tribal members. It is sad how so many on other tribal nations around suffer, while others are blessed and privileged with resources and wealth.

[@jeg5438]

​​@@REAPERLIFE-ky6xsWho the fck are you? How do you know what he reads? What rezz are you on?

[@pdsrunner]

oh well@@REAPERLIFE-ky6xs does that bother you? it doesn't bother me

[@stillnotwoke]

​@@REAPERLIFE-ky6xs 🤣🤣🤣

[@kb_9880]

There is also a Pueblo tribe in NM that have nice homes and better resources.

[@Treesfromseed]

I grew up in Riverton. You are very accurate with your video. The pronunciation of the towns needs a little help though lol great video!

[@wanderingwarrior5626]

Yup! That applies to much of the world where the money poor are. They have many more nice human qualities, values than those with money.

[@TheRedDevil_NC]

Really enjoy the videos on the variety of people in the country. Thank you Nick!!

[@Gail-gf7km]

There sure are a lot of wheel chair ramps. Seems like every third or fourth house. Kind of points to a lot of diabetes with associated issues. Also didn’t see a single garden. I would think that fresh vegetables would enhance their health outcomes.

[@barbarafaulder9087]

In Wyoming? Not much grows. Stolen land with gold to this place. Crime against First Nation.

[@karenbartlett1307]

American Indians were given rations of often rancid beef and weevil-full flour by the US gov't as payment for their land when they were forced onto reservations. Indians were not used to wheat flour yet that was almost all they had to eat. Consequently, diabetes is rampant. Also, most Plains Indians were not farming cultures. They were hunting/gathering (mobile) cultures. They never wanted to learn to farm (a sedentary lifestyle) which goes against cultural values. They'd rather live the old way.

[@kb_9880]

I don't think they know how to garden. It's not just the reservation - you see morbid obesity everywhere in the USA. It's America's decline.

[@raybodey3011]

Not sure when you were in /Riverton WY BUT it is a part of the windRiver reservation

[@ericvonwiegen5672]

I enjoy watching ur videos 👍👍👍

[@joannunemaker6332]

A wonderful video. Eye opening. 😊❤

[@diannemc3179]

The plywood business must be booming up there🤣