Rubber Meets the Road

My observations regarding our experience here on the Reservation. Sometimes reality is worst than what you could ever imagine. That's where the rubber meets the road.

The reality on the reservation is as follows:

1. Addiction to alcohol and illegal drugs is rampant.
2. Government dependency is debilitating to the soul.
3. The hope level among the people here on a scale of 1 to 10,with 1 being low and 10 as great hope.....on the "Res" as they call it, is at a "1.5".
4. No economic prosperity
5. Few intact families (Father, Mother, and children living together)High level of
physical and sexual abuse due to alcohol consumption and associated behavior.
6. Diabetes is out of control, along with kidney failure (Due to diet, but mostly
alcohol) High level of dialysis patients and early death associated with these
diseases. (Not to mention the number of people dying in alcohol related
accidents).
7. Poverty level is high.
8. Teen Pregnancy and single parenthood common and promoted.
9. Victim-hood is a way of thinking,and the US Government and the white man owes them!
10. National, state, and Local (Trival) Government enabling and dependent on the
dependency of the people on the reservation. Power through subjugation.

Is there a way out.... possibly with the following changes in the mind set of individuals?

1. Positive Community and religious Influence
2. Education or skill development valued and sought beyond high school
3. Work opportunities developed by individuals
4. Benefit of economic development by local community leaders
5. Personal accountability and integrity.
6. Self reliance
7. Alcohol and illegal drug consumption stopped.
8. Dietary changes with excercise.
9. Intact family unit valued by individuals and promoted in the community.
10. Work ethic developed by each individual.


Development of Basic service businesses needed on the Reservation:

Hardware store
Hair cutting
Recycling
Trading post - to sell local crafts
Landscape Nursery or Landscape maintenance businesses
Flower Shop
Clothing shops
Shoe Shops
Craft and Fabric stores
Bakery
Food establishments -Pizza, Sandwich shop, Soup and Salad
Appliance Repair
Gas Station on Highway (Take advantage of travelers needing services)
Movie Theatre
Public Park - with Indian statues
Second Hand Stores for Clothing, appliances, etc.
Summer Indian Folklore Entertainment - to generate Tourism Industry
Manufacturing businesses
Sports shop - Fishing and Hunting Tour guides
Boat Dock -
History Museum of the Standing Rock - Sioux people
Drug Store