America's Native Prisoners of War - Aaron Huey

Overview

• Speaker: Aaron Huey
• Platform: TEDxDU 2010
• Topic: The plight of the Lakota people
• Key Themes: Poverty, history, indigenous struggles

Key Points

Introduction to the Issue

• Aaron Huey's project initially aimed to photograph poverty in America.
• His journey led him to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
• The conditions and history of the Lakota people redirected his focus to their struggles.

The Lakota People

• The Lakota are a Native American tribe, part of the greater Sioux nation.
• Pine Ridge Reservation is one of the most impoverished areas in the United States.

Historical Context

• The history of the Lakota people is marked by broken treaties and loss of land.
• They are described as "America’s native prisoners of war."
• Historical injustices have led to systemic poverty and neglect.

Photographic Documentation

• Aaron Huey spent five years documenting the lives and struggles of the Lakota.
• His photographs serve as a visual narrative of the hardships faced by the Lakota.
• The work aims to raise awareness about the ongoing issues.

Themes

• Culture: Preservation and loss of indigenous culture.
• History: Understanding the historical context of Native American struggles.
• Photography: Using images to tell powerful stories and reveal truths.
• Poverty: Highlighting the severe economic challenges faced by the Lakota.

Conclusion

• Aaron Huey's work emphasizes the need for recognition and change.
• Calls for acknowledgment of past wrongs and better support for the Lakota nation.
• His talk combines haunting imagery with a powerful historical narrative to deliver a compelling message.

Related Topics

• Culture, history, photography, poverty, indigenous peoples

Additional Resources

• Explore more TED Talks on similar topics such as culture, history, and indigenous peoples.