Pine Ridge Indian Rez.

I have been here 4 times, and I always stay for at least 10 days and last time I was there for 3 weeks.

I just love it there! The people I have gotten to know is so warm, kind and generous. They are like family to me.

I love the great sense of humor and how they take care of the elders and care for their children.

Yes, there is poverty and bad stuff going on too, that’s what I’ve heard. Still that’s not all I see. There is much to be said.

I’m still shocked when I hear people advising people not to go here and to be careful. Careful of what? Friendly loving people?

Yes, be careful every time you travel anywhere, but don’t listen to racist advices/warnings about this place, because that’s all it is. Racist.

What I see is people giving and giving, even if they don’t have everything themselves. I see smiles, I hear laughter and the best damn jokes in town:) I’m sad and crying every time I must go back home, and I’m thrilled and happy when I can return to my friends on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation.

The best place for vacationing:) And to enjoy the best smoothie in the world, visit Higher Ground Coffee House in Pine Ridge:)

Pine Ridge Indian Rez.

What advice would you give when planning to visit first time?

Pine Ridge Indian Rez.

I lived on the Indian Reservation for 5 months. I didn%26#39;t just visit, I lived every single day and night there. I agree that there is infinite beaty to behold on the Reservation. Seeing the injustice that has been done to the Wounded Knee site through lack of Federal Funding should be see by all and is a scar on our country. The Heritage Center is truly wonderful as is the staff. I worked there for several months and was so very fortunate to have that opportunity.

With that said, there is certainly underlying angst and aggression towards whites in some parts of the ';Rez';. I am not being racist, at all, when I state that there were many times I felt uncomfortable if I went anywhere alone. I had my home broken into twice in 4 months, once while I was in it. If I went shopping by myself, I could often feel all eyes upon me, not threatening, but not warmingly. You really do have to be careful here, moreso than if you were in a big city, as out there, not too many people will meddle in a dangerous situation if you are in trouble. You must never forget that these people have very, very big issues with whites, and rightly so, due to the past several centuries of injustice done to them.

Do not be deterred to visit the Reservation, but do not expect the warmth that the above poster has been fortunate to have. I am not saying it will not happen, as I have many people from Pine Ridge I consider friends and who left an indelible mark on my life. However, living amongst the people of the Reservation often made me weary to travel alone to any parts of it. Visiting the Rez and living on the Rez are two very different things.