20/20 on Pine Ridge, Hopeful

In our last blog post we encouraged you to watch the “Children of the Plains” TV show on ABC’s 20/20.  It was encouraging to see Diane Sawyer shed light on so many issues that we work to address on the reservation on a daily basis. If you missed it, you can watch it here.

I thought the show was balanced. It showed the strengths and difficulties… focused on the hopes, dreams, and determination of the people of Pine Ridge… while also shedding light on very real and very serious challenges like alcoholism, drug use, and depression.

I was struck by the dedication and determination of not only the children who were the main focus of the program but also the teachers, principals, and family members. This dedication is something that I’ve seen time and time again on Pine Ridge and other reservations where we work. Typically, our organization’s  partnerships are with quiet leaders on the reservations who are making a difference and working  for positive change in their communities.

The strength of our partners, and the strength and resilience of Oglala Sioux youth, is an inspiration to all of us on and off the reservation.