Brandon Ecoffey
A note from the editor’s desk
By Brandon Ecoffey
Lakota Country Times Editor
www.lakotacountrytimes.com For all the negativity that exists in Indian Country there are always positive movements taking shape in some way or another. On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation one such movement is underway as the community is now beginning to understand how health can empower both individuals and our nations. A few years back I had more time on my hands than I knew what to do with. So, I decided to pursue a certification as a personal trainer. The process of acquiring my license was quite simple but the information I acquired has proved to be invaluable. I've never charged anyone for training advice or instruction because I know so many everyday people simply cannot afford to pay for this luxury. The payoff for me is knowing that with this information some will be able to live fuller lives, be more productive and hopefully remain on this earth longer. For tribal-nations the reintroduction of fitness can play an important role in defeating many of the social ills that have held us back for so long. I know addicts who have found their sobriety and maintained it through running. I know many who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic but reversed the direction of their health by weightlifting. The benefits to one's physical health are obvious. For the Oglala Nation the benefits of giving our people access to fitness could be one of the simplest and most accessible remedies for our high rates of suicide. Too many of our people are limited in their opportunities to build confidence in themselves. Why can't we find a way to generate funding for the construction of real fitness centers across our reservation?
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With revenue generation stalled the simplest way to quickly raise money by any government is through taxes. Instead of asking for handouts or applying for grants it is time for the tribal council to introduce a Wellness Tax on all purchases on the reservation and dedicate that funding to the health of our people. In order for this to be effective and sustainable safeguards must be put in place to prevent this fund from being raided by special interests or politicians looking to secure a few extra votes. The implications of prioritizing health in our communities are overwhelmingly positive as we would see a decrease in hospital visits, crime rates, and vandalism. That alone should be enough to at least start a conversation on how we can improve access to fitness facilities. Currently some community members use school gyms to train, but already one school has made it abundantly clear that the positive relationships that come from fitness and health are not welcome. The tribe has several fitness centers but some are not in operation and the ones that are cannot handle the demand. Let's introduce a tax to better our futures. (Brandon Ecoffey is the editor of LCT and an award winning journalist who was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation.) Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter and download the new Lakota Country Times app today.
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