What is it like in Native American communities and Reservations...?
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First I should tell you that Most of our experience is on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Although many of the communities suffer with the same sorts of problems, not all communities are the same. In other words, they're not carbon copies. It is like comparing the inner city of Pittsburgh with the inner city of Los Angeles. They both suffer with similar problems, but they're not exactly alike. | |
| Native American community and Tribal leaders recognize that there are many serious needs among their people. Many adults and children only have a bleak outlook about the future because they see no reason to hope for a better life. Stability and continuity are often lacking in many homes and children are often free to wonder aimlessly and without positive role models or direction for years. Unemployment is a factor. Alcoholism and drugs are where many of them turn. Under these circumstances dysfunctional families are not uncommon. Often this results in problems with the law, or even violent death. Those with some Christian experience are often caught in meaningless religious ritual, not the vibrant life of a disciple that Christ intended. |  |
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