Marlene Poor Bear poses with her granddaughters, Nataja and Shayla Gay. Photo courtesy Marlene Poor Bear

Grandparents raising grandchildren takes its toll
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer

RAPID CITY –– According to the most recent census, 58.7 percent of grandparents living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation are raising their grandchildren.

In traditional times, the extended family was the accepted norm in communities as family elders contributed to the rearing of tribal youth.

In today’s society, this can be a huge burden mentally, emotionally, physically and financially for these grandparents who are often living on a fixed income far below the Federal poverty level.

Many times, the grandparents have a stable home and lifestyle fitting for children to be raised in and meet the standards and requirements set by the state, such as school attendance. Many grandparents are unable to assist with homework these days.

The causes for grandparents having to raise their grandchildren can be many; including parental homelessness, unemployment issues, drug and alcohol addictions, mental health problems, toxic and abusive relationships, and other socio-economic reasons.

With Rapid City being the largest border town just off the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the statistical information is closely mirrored in the urban Indian community.

Marlene Poor Bear (Oglala Lakota) of Rapid City is currently raising her two granddaughters, Nataja, 10, and Shayla, 6.

Beginning in June, 2013, Poor Bear began to recognize the need for her to take a more central role in the lives of her two granddaughters, stating, “Even before I took custody, I would go over and feed them and check on them.”

Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: Grandparents raising grandchildren takes its toll

(Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com)

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