Views: South Dakota and Native Americans

Tuesday, October 23, 2007  

A week after celebrating Native American Day, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader asked residents about South Dakota's relationship with Native Americans. Here are some of the responses.

Rick Albrecht, 51: "I think that the South Dakota state Legislature should permit the gambling industry on the reservations to be on par with those off the reservation. Increased revenue from the Native American gambling industry could then be used to continue funding for antitobacco, antialcohol, antiabuse, and health/education programs in the Native American communities.'

Scott Allan, 53: "I have thought for a long time that what the white man did to the Native Americans was terrible: putting them on a reservation that basically is land where you can’t grow or produce anything here in South Dakota."

Martin Blath, 61: "The Native Americans did not cause their problems; most of the ancestors of those living here now did. It is up to the federal and state governments and us to correct the problem."

Kevin Loker, 17: "One problem South Dakota has to face here is ignorance. So many people in our state simply do not know the slightest bit about Native Americans. Culturally from one another, we’re too removed."

Elizabeth Schulte, 21: "The relations between Native Americans and Caucasians are improving. We are more aware now of the benefits of diversity, and our attitude toward it is improving. We, as the non-Indian society, can encourage positivity. We do this on a individual basis. As soon as we stop stereotyping Native Americans as alcoholics and unemployed, we will be able to have the same expectations of them as any other South Dakotan."

Linda Tom, 58: "I would give South Dakota a grade of C in its dealing with our Native American residents. I believe our state still has a long way to go in regard to its relations with our Native American population."

Get the Story:
State's relationship with Native Americans (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 10/23)