Fighting addiction on Pine Ridge reservation

Summary

The script narrates the plight of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, grappling with poverty, unemployment, and rampant alcohol addiction. The nearby town of White Clay, Nebraska, has been a source of alcohol for the reservation, despite its ban, leading to a surge in violence and health crises. The state Supreme Court is deliberating on the permanent closure of liquor stores in White Clay, a move seen by some as a victory against white oppression and by others as an economic necessity. The script highlights the community's struggle with addiction, youth suicide, and the impact of potential budget cuts on support programs.

Takeaways

• 📍 The town of White Clay, Nebraska, with a population of 14, sells over four million cans of beer a year to the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol is banned.
• 🏪 Alcohol sales in White Clay have been a source of controversy due to the high unemployment and alcohol addiction rates on the reservation, contributing to violence and health issues.
• 🚨 The state Supreme Court is considering a permanent closure of the liquor stores in White Clay following a series of violent incidents and unsolved murders.
• 🏕️ Activists from the Lakota tribe have set up camp near White Clay, vowing to stay until the Supreme Court makes a decision on the liquor stores' future.
• 💔 The script describes personal tragedies related to alcohol abuse, including family members found murdered and the impact of addiction on the community.
• 📉 The Pine Ridge Reservation faces a youth suicide rate four times the national average, linked to entrenched issues of addiction and poverty.
• 👮‍♂️ Since the closure of the liquor stores in White Clay, there has been a reported surge in bootlegged alcohol, straining the already under-resourced tribal police.
• 🚫 Some residents and officials see the liquor stores as a form of white oppression, exploiting the vulnerability of the Native American community.
• 💼 Others argue that the sale of alcohol is a result of market forces and economic need, not racism, with the demand for alcohol being filled by suppliers.
• 🌐 The script highlights the broader context of historical injustices, including land seizures and the impact of colonialism on the Native American community.
• 🌟 There is a call for resilience and resistance against oppression, with the teepee rising near White Clay symbolizing the end of colonialism and the beginning of healing and spiritual recovery.

Q & A

What is the primary issue discussed in the script regarding the town of White Clay, Nebraska?

The script discusses the issue of alcohol sales in White Clay, a town that has been selling a significant amount of beer to members of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, contributing to high rates of alcohol addiction and associated problems within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Why is the sale of alcohol banned on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation?

The script does not explicitly state why alcohol sales are banned on the reservation. However, it implies that the ban is due to the severe social and health issues caused by alcohol addiction, including high unemployment rates and a significant portion of the adult population suffering from alcoholism.

What measures were taken in response to the violence and unsolved murders in White Clay?

In response to the violence and unsolved murders, the liquor stores in White Clay were temporarily closed, and the state Supreme Court is considering whether to make the closure permanent.

What is the significance of the teepee rising in the script?

The teepee rising symbolizes resistance and the end of oppression and colonialism. It represents the hope for healing and the revival of the Lakota spirit once the negative influences like alcohol are overcome.

How does the script describe the impact of alcohol on the youth of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation?

The script describes a tragic impact, with a youth suicide rate four times the national average and many young people resorting to substance abuse as a means to escape their reality.

What role do the women running the intervention program play in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation?

The women running the intervention program provide a crucial service to the community, offering support and resources to those struggling with addiction and other issues. They operate out of a basement beneath the post office and rely on grant money.

How does the script address the issue of racism in relation to the alcohol sales in White Clay?

The script presents differing viewpoints. Some people believe there is no racism involved and that the situation is purely economic, driven by market forces and demand. Others suggest that the dynamic of white families selling alcohol to Native Americans is a form of post-colonial hangover and represents a continuing form of white oppression.

What is the current situation regarding the budget for tribal police and public services in Pine Ridge?

The tribal police and public services are under-resourced and underfunded, with the police department having had two-thirds of its budget cut in a decade, resulting in a struggle to cope with the surge in bootlegged alcohol since the closure of White Clay.

What is the significance of the skate park named after Tiny's grandson, Tobe Eagle Boo?

The skate park serves as a safe place for children to hang out and is named in memory of Tobe Eagle Boo, who was killed in an alcohol-related car accident. It represents a positive outlet for the youth amidst the challenges they face.

How does the script suggest the community views the potential impact of decisions by the Supreme Court on White Clay?

The script suggests that the community is deeply concerned about the court's decision. They fear that if the Supreme Court decides against the closure, it will lead to further violence and addiction, as they feel they are not considered as human beings capable of handling themselves in the modern world.

What is the script's perspective on the role of free enterprise in the situation of White Clay?

The script presents a perspective that free enterprise and market forces are the driving factors behind the alcohol sales in White Clay, with some individuals arguing that there is no racism involved and that the sales are simply filling a demand.