Documentary on Pine Ridge?

[whitewave]

I am studying to be a preschool teacher majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Race Relations. I noticed in all 3 of my diversity classes they seemed to cover just about every race problem in America EXCEPT Native Americans. I only remember one tiny chapter in one book that said anything about Native issues and even that didn't say much.
When I approached the teachers about this they would say they would like to do more but dont know of a lot of resources to use.
When I visited my friend for her graduation from college I attended the "Senior Projects" and a pair of students did a documentary on the Navajo Rez near the Grand Canyon. They did a pretty good job, getting all their information directly from the mouths of the residents there. I heard a lot of students talking after that about how they couldn't believe those conditions existed in America. I thought to myself that they should see that this is not the only place, that so many reservations are plaugued as much, and even more with extreme poverty across the nation....and the general public has no idea...
I feel like its time. I want to DO something.

Is there anyone that is a student of or experienced in any kind of film production, or anyone that could be of any asistance at all that would be interested in doing a documentary on the history and present state of the Pine Ridge Rez? What are your thoughts on this idea???

[whitewave]

anyone?

[Lakota Wiyan]

I dont have alot of film making experience, but I do have some really good ideas, and I know alot of people on the Pine Ridge Reservation, which is MY reservation. I'd like to be involved in this project, if only to make sure that there is a respectful and appropriate view of the reservation given.

There are some important extremes found on PR rez, and I think it is important to explore and explain how people find themselves on either end of the spectrum. There are people in very dire poverty, barely making ends meet, and then there are others who live very nicely, and most of the time, the usual stereotypes and assumptions dont fit in either case. Abject poverty isn't always a product of alcohol and drug abuse, and nice homes and cars aren't always the result of "selling out", or living off the tribal payrolls. Another misconception is that a small house with no running water, electricity or propane, is a symbol of poverty and despair. Sometimes that situation can be a choice, a more simple, traditional way of living. But those are often the houses shown when demonstrating the "third world" coniditions. YES, there is alot of poverty and substance abuse, but that is NOT all the Oglala Lakota people are about. When you go to our small traditional powwows, away from the money and greed and big egos of the larger powwows, you'll see a window into our ancestors lives. The people who welcome EVERYONE into their homes, and feed and shelter them, even with the very little they have...those are the people who need to be shown and held up as examples of Lakota. We are NOT poverty, substance abuse, or greed. We are NOT political corruption and hatred. If you are going to do this, do it right, and show how bad living on the reservation can be, and THEN, show how our people make it work by holding on to our core values. It's not all good and beautiful living here, but it's also not depressing and horrible either.....
Thank you..and like I said, I'd be willing to contribute in any way possible.

[whitewave]

I dont have alot of film making experience, but I do have some really good ideas, and I know alot of people on the Pine Ridge Reservation, which is MY reservation. I'd like to be involved in this project, if only to make sure that there is a respectful and appropriate view of the reservation given.

There are some important extremes found on PR rez, and I think it is important to explore and explain how people find themselves on either end of the spectrum. There are people in very dire poverty, barely making ends meet, and then there are others who live very nicely, and most of the time, the usual stereotypes and assumptions dont fit in either case. Abject poverty isn't always a product of alcohol and drug abuse, and nice homes and cars aren't always the result of "selling out", or living off the tribal payrolls. Another misconception is that a small house with no running water, electricity or propane, is a symbol of poverty and despair. Sometimes that situation can be a choice, a more simple, traditional way of living. But those are often the houses shown when demonstrating the "third world" coniditions. YES, there is alot of poverty and substance abuse, but that is NOT all the Oglala Lakota people are about. When you go to our small traditional powwows, away from the money and greed and big egos of the larger powwows, you'll see a window into our ancestors lives. The people who welcome EVERYONE into their homes, and feed and shelter them, even with the very little they have...those are the people who need to be shown and held up as examples of Lakota. We are NOT poverty, substance abuse, or greed. We are NOT political corruption and hatred. If you are going to do this, do it right, and show how bad living on the reservation can be, and THEN, show how our people make it work by holding on to our core values. It's not all good and beautiful living here, but it's also not depressing and horrible either.....
Thank you..and like I said, I'd be willing to contribute in any way possible.

Yes, thank you, and I agree. Its just crazy to me how "invisible" Native people and culture are in on our very own soil. People are COMPLETELY ignorant to the true history, the struggles, and often the mere existance of "real" Native Americans today. I've thought about doing this for a couple years now and I think its time to start getting serious about it. I am NO expert indeed as I have never even set foot on a reservation and therefore I would want EVERY word to be directly from the mouths of the residents. I come at this in the most humble way and would not want to ever disrespect or do anything that will in any way keep me from being an aid in teaching truth. Thats my goal....100% truth.

[Lakota Wiyan]

Well, lets PM and share some contact information. I know that I could take care of accomadations here on the rez, depending on when you want to do this. Let me know how you want to proceed with this...

[Joe's Dad]

Yes, thank you, and I agree. Its just crazy to me how "invisible" Native people and culture are in on our very own soil. People are COMPLETELY ignorant to the true history, the struggles, and often the mere existance of "real" Native Americans today. I've thought about doing this for a couple years now and I think its time to start getting serious about it. I am NO expert indeed as I have never even set foot on a reservation and therefore I would want EVERY word to be directly from the mouths of the residents. I come at this in the most humble way and would not want to ever disrespect or do anything that will in any way keep me from being an aid in teaching truth. Thats my goal....100% truth.

If you get a chance to go there, you'll meet some of the best people you've ever come across. If you do go, keep an open mind.

[whitewave]

If you get a chance to go there, you'll meet some of the best people you've ever come across. If you do go, keep an open mind.

I have no doubt on that. Not one.
I will, and I will. Thanks

[whitewave]

Now I need some more input....if anyone has ideas on exactly what direction to go with this please feel free to interject. If anyone knows anyone who knows anything about cinematography (eee is that how you spell it??) and is interested please let me know.

[Joe's Dad]

Now I need some more input....if anyone has ideas on exactly what direction to go with this please feel free to interject. If anyone knows anyone who knows anything about cinematography (eee is that how you spell it??) and is interested please let me know.

I thought you were asking directions from L.A.!


Jusss kiddin

[whitewave]

Alright guys, as I've talked to more people and put more direct thought into this project it has evolved. I'm going to try to do footage from as many reservations as I can, and I may do natives from all walks of life on the outside. I want this to be focused on: "What do you want people to know about natives in general and about the different cultures within different tribes?" as this will be geared toward education in a college diversity type classroom. I do still want to do Pine Ridge for sure, but I want that to only be the beginning....I will do a whole new thread on this momentarily as I have brainstormed a lot over this past weekend. Any help and support would be wonderful. Thank you.