What are the challenges currently facing the Lakota Community? ✓ Solved

The Lakota community, also known as the Sioux, has faced numerous challenges that threaten their existence and cultural continuity. Since the arrival of European settlers, the Lakota, who are part of the Great Sioux Nation, have been subjected to colonization, land dispossession, and socio-economic struggles. They are recognized as a sovereign nation, yet various issues continue to plague the community.

Historical Context

Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Americas were inhabited by complex societies known as Native Americans. The Lakota people are among the earliest tribes and were known for their significant presence in the Great Plains. However, with colonization, they were forced onto reservations and faced a loss of sovereignty despite their acknowledgment as a sovereign nation (Smith, 2015).

Current Challenges Faced by the Lakota People

1. Mass Incarceration and Policing

Mass incarceration and biased policing present significant challenges for the Lakota community. With the increased awareness sparked by movements like Black Lives Matter, similar patterns of violence against Native Americans have gained attention, albeit insufficiently (Harrington & Harrington, 2017). The disproportionate rates of Native American deaths by police highlight systemic issues. Although Native Americans constitute only 1% of the U.S. population, they represent 2% of police killings, evidencing a troubling trend of over-policing in these communities.

2. Economic Hardship

Poverty and unemployment are rampant within the Lakota community. Recent statistics indicate that 27% of Native Americans live in poverty, which is significantly higher than the national average (Harrington & Harrington, 2017). Many Lakota reservations rank among the poorest areas in the United States, with poverty rates soaring to 43.2%. Furthermore, unemployment rates have been reported as high as 60%, exacerbating the community's struggles (Harrington & Harrington, 2017).

3. Exploitation of Natural Resources

Historically, the Lakota's land has been exploited for natural resources, often against their will. Recent controversies, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline, highlight ongoing threats to Lakota land and sacred sites. The protests against the pipeline focused on its environmental impact and the desecration of culturally significant lands (Marshall, 2017). The involvement of external entities in resource extraction continues to threaten the economic and spiritual well-being of the Lakota people.

4. Healthcare Disparities

The healthcare system for Native Americans, particularly the Lakota, suffers from significant deficiencies. Despite eligibility for services under the Indian Health Service, many face barriers to accessing care due to underfunding and inadequate facilities. Health disparities reveal that Native Americans experience higher mortality rates from conditions including obesity, substance abuse, and preventable diseases (Harrington & Harrington, 2017). The lack of basic services compels community members to travel great distances for healthcare, making it difficult for them to maintain their health (McKenzie & Hudson, 2016).

Governmental Response to Challenges

The U.S. government has made attempts to address these challenges through various initiatives, including the establishment of healthcare and educational facilities on reservations. However, these efforts often fall short due to inadequate funding and poorly implemented policies (McKenzie & Hudson, 2016). The complex relationships and jurisdictional conflicts between tribal, state, and federal systems exacerbate issues like mass incarceration, making effective responses difficult (Marshall, 2017).

Conclusion

Despite their recognized sovereignty, the Lakota community faces profound challenges stemming from historical injustices and contemporary socio-economic issues. The ongoing fight against poverty, inadequate healthcare, systemic violence, and resource exploitation reflects the ongoing struggle for the Lakota people to achieve justice and preserve their cultural identity. Strengthening community resilience and advocacy efforts will be vital for addressing these pressing issues and ensuring a sustainable future for the Lakota.

References

  • Gibbon, G. (2018). The Sioux: The Dakota and Lakota Nations. John Wiley & Sons.

  • Harrington, C. F., & Harrington, B. G. (2017). Fighting a different battle: Challenges facing American Indians in higher education. Journal of Indigenous Research, 1(1), 4.

  • Marshall III, J. M. (2017). Walking with grandfather: The wisdom of Lakota elders. Sounds True.

  • McKenzie, B., & Hudson, P. (2016). Native children, child welfare, and the colonization of native people. The challenge of child welfare.

  • Smith, A. (2015). Native American feminism, sovereignty, and social change. Feminist Studies, 31(1).