Upward and Onward

As this class comes to a close I am beginning to realize what an amazing experience this has been. I never expected to learn all that I have , not only about native spirituality but about native culture. Until fairly recently in my life I, like most americans, had a view of native peoples that ended at 1890. Our trip to  Pine Ridge help complete my previously pessimistic view of modern native culture. Though life on the reservation is obviously hard, after listening to Mike Jr., Stanley, and Renita speak, I find that there is hope in the upcoming generations of native youth. The idea that this generation of native people is striving to balance traditional ways and modernity makes me hopeful that native culture will continue to evolve. Another powerful experience was our visit to the tribal college. The presence of an up and coming educational culture shows the tribes movement in a positive direction.