DISPELLING NATIVE AMERICAN MYTHS

What is a myth anyway? Some would call it a traditional story concerning early history and some would consider it a widely held, but false idea or belief. True Sioux Hope Foundation wants to help educate the public on the real truth behind the devastation that Native Americans have been struggling with for over a century.

One of the most common misconceptions is that all Native Americans receive large sums of money from casino profits. Even though there are a handful of profitable Indian-owned casinos in America, the Lakota Sioux has never come close to any of their successes. The barren lands of Pine Ridge receive little to no attention, compared to other tribal gaming operations. The only casino that does exist in Pine Ridge has little to offer due to its undesirable location.

Another widespread myth is that the American government makes provisions for adequate healthcare. The reality is that the U.S. government provides very little medical assistance, making it difficult to address the health needs of the Lakota Sioux community. Medical facilities are outdated, lack basic medical equipment, and are often so far away that many residents live without any medical attention.

After carefully dispelling these Native American myths, it is important to realize that while the living conditions that the Lakota Sioux face are challenging, there is still hope for a brighter future. The U.S. government has taken steps in recent months to shine a light on the plight of Native Americans as a whole, such as the recently announced "Generation Indigenous" initiative which is aimed at helping young Native Americans prepare for college and careers among other benefits. Of course, there is much to be done and the True Sioux Hope Foundation plans to inspire positive change for the Sioux Tribe and help create new opportunities for a better future.