Native Americans Then

The Native Americans used to live in their tribes where self-sufficiency, harmony with nature, and spirituality were primary principles that guided their life. This culture was almost completely destroyed by the pioneer movements in America.

Native Americans Now

Today, most Native Amerians live in the reservations. There, some of them are rebuilding their identity and dignity by reviving their language and traditions. Some are also attempting to heal the old wounds from the past by passing their principles, traditions, and wisdoms to others, sometimes even to the “white people”.

Life on the Reservation

Example: Pine Ridge

The Pine Ridge Reseravation in South Dakota is the home of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe. It counts as one of the poorest counties in the USA.

• Per Capita Income: 3700 USD / Year
• 97% live below the poverty line
• Unemployment: 80%
• Diabetes: 50%
• Suicides Rate: approximately four times as high as the national average
• Life expectancy: 48 for men und 52 for women (the shortest expectancy of all groups except Haiti in the western hemisphere)

<< Back <<       >> More >>