Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Overview

• Located in South Dakota, primarily inhabited by the Lakota Sioux people.
• Covers 3,500 square miles, statistically the poorest place in America.
• Historical significance: site of the Wounded Knee Massacre (1890).
• Current living conditions: many trailer parks lack electricity and running water, no banks or movie theaters, but there are basketball courts.

Res Ball: The Game of the Community

• Res Ball is a unique style of basketball played fast, reflecting the community's spirit.
• Highlights the rivalry between Red Cloud Crusaders and Pinebridge Thorpes (named after athlete Jim Thorpe).
• Both teams comprise players from the same tribe, but the rivalry is intense.

Importance of Basketball

• Basketball acts as a focal point for youth, providing hope and community engagement.
• Players have built strong bonds since middle school, emphasizing camaraderie.
• The sport helps keep youth focused and away from negative influences present in the community.

Personal Stories and Challenges

• Players discuss the impact of personal loss, such as suicides within the community.
• Basketball serves as an escape and a way to cope with grief (e.g., playing shortly after a family member's death).
• One player mentioned his father’s suicide, highlighting the need for connection and support.

Meaning of Basketball for Youth

• Seen as a source of hope and a way to bring the community together.
• Yo Park is a notable location for ongoing summer games, fostering youth interaction.
• Players aspire to use basketball as a means to improve their futures (e.g., college, military).

Cultural Significance of the Oglala Lakota Tribe

• The Oglala are a sub-tribe of the Lakota people; their identity is crucial for community cohesion.
• Preservation of language and culture is a priority among youth; the language is endangered but efforts continue.
• Players acknowledge their roles in shaping the future of their tribe through education and opportunities.

Future Aspirations

• The importance of encouraging peers to seek opportunities outside the reservation.
• Players show concern for not repeating the struggles faced by their families.
• Emphasis on making choices that positively impact themselves and their community.

Community Sentiment

• High school basketball games are vital social events, drawing significant community support.
• The rivalry game is more than just a sport; it symbolizes hope and resilience for the Lakota people.
• The importance of passing down traditions and culture to future generations is emphasized.

Conclusion

• The community's resilience is tied to its cultural heritage and the future of its youth.
• The notion of Seven Generations reflects the commitment to restoring and sustaining culture for future Lakota generations.