It is quite bittersweet to be home after such an amazing and meaningful week. Reading through these blog posts only give you a glimpse at what we have experienced and what we have learned. It's difficult to return to the life of a college student after spending a week not thinking about our academic responsibilities and instead thinking about a larger social issue. I will never forget what I have learned about the true history of the Lakota people, their rich culture, and the state of their community now. There are so many things that can be done to help the people in Pine Ridge who are suffering due to a history of oppression and brutality. The first and very important step is to educate yourself on what has happened and what is happening now. The next steps are up to you...spread what you know, write your Congressmen, collect donations, work with groups like Re-Member, etc. Do what you can.
There is one "Wisdom of the Elders" that Ted shared this week has stuck with me:
"If you have come to help me, you can go home. but if you see my struggle as part of your own survival, then perhaps we can work together."
My only hope is that I, along with my trip members, never forget what we have learned and never stop working towards a change for the better, because what affects other people ultimately affects us as well.
Mitakuye Oyasin: We are all related.
--Angela
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