"Last week, I made an unscheduled trip to Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota for a very sad ceremony. On my journey to Fort Yates, N.D., I found our state expansive, wildly beautiful and powerful. Even under the snow, it was breathtaking.
There is a problem, however, in the southwestern part of the state. The farther west you go, the more you'll see the earth needs moisture.
When I left Grand Forks, the wind was knife-sharp and cold. Yet when I looked up, the sky was clear and azure blue. You needed sunglasses because the sun off the snow was extreme.
As I drove west, cutting across the state near Hillsboro, N.D., to Casselton, N.D., then entering Interstate 94, it was a straight run to Bismarck with little traffic and an open highway.
I automatically breathed deeply. In wide-open spaces, I assume there is lots of good, clean air.
Thoughts of my 23-year-old nephew, who had passed away, followed me. The roll of the hills, drifting snow and endless sky sparked memories. I could hear his laughter and feel his arms in a hug. I thought about his short life. "
Get the Story:Dorreen Yellow Bird: A dryness and sadness across the land (The Grand Forks Herald 2/16)
pwpwd More Dorreen Yellow Bird:
Yellow Bird: It's time for a change in music (2/11)
Yellow Bird: 'Sioux' drives Indian students away (2/7)
Yellow Bird: Another cold January in North Dakota (1/30)
Yellow Bird: Tribal casinos should be alcohol free (1/28)
Yellow Bird: Race and gender in presidential race (1/23)
Yellow Bird: Barack Obama is my choice for 2008 (1/16)
Yellow Bird: Artman right on off-reservation gaming (1/9)
Yellow Bird: Barack Obama's big win in Iowa (1/7)
Yellow Bird: Wild animals in our environment (12/31)
Yellow Bird: Russell Means makes a point (12/24)
Yellow Bird: Christmas can be depressing too (12/19)
Yellow Bird: It's McCain v. Clinton in 2008 (12/18)
Yellow Bird: UND graduates Indian nurses (12/12)
Yellow Bird: Candy shop in Grand Forks creative (12/11)
Yellow Bird: Teachers and cultural sensitivity (12/5)
Yellow Bird: Instant wealth in a poor community (11/29)
Yellow Bird: Don't feel guilty about Thanksgiving (11/22)
Yellow Bird: Indian people take care of their own (11/19)
Yellow Bird: From 'Nutcracker' to a 'Beat Down' (11/14)
Yellow Bird: Ghosts haunt Standing Rock veteran (11/7)
Yellow Bird: Reservation center helps those in need (11/5)
Yellow Bird: Put an end to 'Fighting Sioux' nick (10/31)
Yellow Bird: Generosity of Shakopee Tribe (10/24)
Yellow Bird: Foreign journalists shared cultural gifts (10/22)
Yellow Bird: Domestic violence happens every day (10/15)
Yellow Bird: Indian adoptees find their way home (10/10)
Yellow Bird: The BIA and its broken promises (10/8)
Yellow Bird: Halloween marks coming of winter (10/3)
Yellow Bird: Diabetes too common among Indians (10/1)
