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Native American Day




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October 12 was Native American Day in South Dakota. Even though some state governments chose to recognize modern day tribes by replacing Columbus Day with Native American Day, that recognition generally means nothing to many of us who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to historical or intergenerational trauma. Columbus was a lost Italian who terrorized countless Indigenous ancestors.

Today, there are many non-Native people living in this state who are still filled with hate for Native Americans. They are the types who refuse to recognize and respect the Native Americans who might live next door to them. When 45 was elected president, many racist people were emboldened to be openly hateful. These people are the ones who refuse to acknowledge the atrocities their ancestors perpetuated upon our people.

Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender is one public figure who made disparaging statements about Native Americans. In a September 30, 2020 article in the Rapid City Journal, Allender referred to the growing numbers of homeless people by stating “there’s been an influx from the nearby reservations and many are attracted by the free food served in city parks.” He also stated “I believe it’s time for the tribal government to weigh in to this discussion.” He also “said the city has had conversations with tribal governments but hasn’t had a good dialogue about finding a solution.”

The mayor’s remarks are an example of how many South Dakotans view their Native American neighbors. We are treated badly by elected officials and the general public in Rapid City. Some of us experience trauma every time we travel to Rapid City to spend our money. How we are treated by the non-Native community is shameful.

Life is hard, but I truly believe Native American people can overcome the effects of historical or intergenerational trauma. It takes an effort by the individual to recognize trauma and begin the hard work to release it. Letting go of trauma isn’t easy and it can be extremely painful. Yet, it’s the only way we will heal.

Our relatives who live in Rapid City suffer the behavior of hateful non-Natives every single day. The way Native Americans are treated in Rapid City and other off reservation towns is truly appalling. When I travel to Rapid City, I don’t make eye contact with non-Native people I don’t know. Just because they are full of hate, it doesn’t mean I have to look them in the eye and acknowledge it.

We have strong children gifted with the power to create a world where Native American or Indigenous people have healed their psyche back to the way it was before lost Italians and Spaniards stumbled upon our shores to terrorize our ancestors. Working to heal the inner child and self is crucial to changing our world. People who heal from the trauma they inherited genetically, can help their relatives and others do the same.

Many of us are in denial about the effect historical or intergenerational trauma has on our family. If you look at today’s society, there are young people and children suffering horribly in their homes. The majority of this suffering is likely caused by the trauma we carry in our genetic memory.

Our refusal to heal will result in more intergenerational trauma for our descendants. As Lakota, we have the strength to overcome the obstacles in front of us to begin walking the path to healing. Lakota prayer and ceremony have healed many of us. When you make a conscious effort to work on healing the historical trauma you carry, it will have a positive effect on your children and grandchildren.

Wopila to all who organized Native American Day awareness events across this Turtle Island.

Cante Hunkesni Win can be reached through email editor@lakotatimes.com

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