Rezball: Basketball in Lakota Nation - VICE World of Sports

Summary

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Lakota Sioux, is the poorest place in America with a history of tragedy and hardship. Despite the lack of basic amenities, the community finds solace and hope in the game of basketball, particularly through the intense rivalry between the Red Cloud Crusaders and Pine Ridge Thorpes. This sport not only unites the tribe but also serves as a beacon of hope for the younger generation, keeping them focused and providing a path forward. The video highlights the importance of preserving their culture and traditions for the future, as the Lakota people strive to overcome the challenges of their past and build a better future.

Takeaways

• 🏆 The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota is home to a vibrant basketball culture, particularly among the Lakota Sioux community.
• 📊 Despite being the poorest place in America, the reservation has a strong sense of community and tradition, with basketball serving as a unifying force.
• 🏘️ The reservation lacks basic amenities like electricity and running water in many areas, highlighting the challenges of living there.
• 🏀 The sport of basketball, specifically a style called 'reds ball,' is deeply ingrained in the culture and has been adapted by Native American tribes.
• 👕 The Red Cloud Crusaders and Pine Ridge Thorpes are the two high school teams that embody the local basketball rivalry and tradition.
• 👟 The players from both teams have been playing together since a young age, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
• 🏆 Basketball is not just a sport on the reservation; it represents hope and a way to stay focused amidst difficult circumstances.
• 👨‍👦‍👦 The game serves as a coping mechanism for the players, helping them deal with personal tragedies and the harsh realities of life on the reservation.
• 🌐 The language and culture of the Lakota people are endangered, but there is a strong effort to preserve and pass them on to future generations.
• 🎓 For the young players, basketball is more than a game; it's a potential pathway to education and a better future outside of the reservation.
• 👥 The community's support for the high school basketball games is immense, with games often packed with enthusiastic fans, reflecting the importance of the sport.

Q & A

Where is the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation located?

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is located in South Dakota.

Which tribe primarily resides on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation?

The Lakota Sioux tribe primarily resides on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

What is the historical significance of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation?

Wounded Knee is the site of a massacre in 1890 where US troops killed nearly 300 men, women, and children of the Lakota tribe.

What are the living conditions like on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation?

The reservation is home to hundreds of trailer parks without electricity or running water, and lacks basic amenities like banks or movie theaters.

How is basketball adapted in the native style on the reservation?

Basketball is adapted into a non-stop, running gun game known as 'reds ball', which has been played that way since the beginning.

What is the significance of the rivalry between the Red Cloud Crusaders and the Pine Ridge Thorpes?

The rivalry is significant as it represents the spirit and unity of the Lakota tribe, despite the challenges they face.

How does basketball serve as a focal point for the youth on the reservation?

Basketball provides hope and a sense of community, keeping the youth focused and offering a positive outlet for their energy.

What impact does the sport have on the players' lives outside the court?

Basketball helps the players cope with personal tragedies and provides a sense of purpose and direction for their future.

Why is the preservation of the Lakota language and culture important to the community?

Preserving the Lakota language and culture is important as it represents the identity and heritage of the tribe, and is a way to honor their ancestors and pass on traditions to future generations.

What are the aspirations of the students from the reservation regarding their future?

The students aspire to go to college, join the military, and make a difference in their community, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and despair.

How does the basketball game between Red Cloud and Pine Ridge reflect the community's values?

The game reflects the community's values of resilience, tradition, and hope, as well as their commitment to supporting the next generation.