Ivan F. Star Comes Out. Photo from Native Sun News

What do civil liberties, individual & human rights mean for Lakota people?
By Ivan F. Star Comes Out
www.nsweekly.com

Recently, I walked into what may be a typical low-rent home on the Pine Ridge. The first thing I noticed was the odor. The spilled alcohol, vomit, unwashed dishes strewn about, pots and pans with half-eaten dried up food, and the trash can filled with moldy trash and overflowing. The house was in disrepair with numerous holes in the walls.

Next I saw the trash bags of empty beer cans and several crushed large cardboard beer boxes on the floor by the refrigerator. Instinctively, I opened the refrigerator and was stunned because it was empty of food and all the grates had been removed to make room for the beer. I stood thinking about the fact that small children live in that house.

Keep in mind that this is not a portrayal of every single home here. We have a majority who are working hard at making things work regardless of the situation. We still have young men and women who together are raising their children.

It’s just that we have a significant number of situations as described previously. I think we would all agree that one such situation is one too many.

Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: What do civil liberties, individual & human rights mean for Lakota people?

(Contact Ivan F. Star Comes Out at mato_nasula2@outlook.com)

Copyright permission Native Sun News