President Clinton makes historic visit to Pine Ridge

even thousand people including representatives from 100 tribes waited expectantly in the hot dust outside the Pine Ridge School.

On July 7th, President William Clinton journeyed to what the media referred to as the "ground zero of poverty" marking the first time a President visited an Indian reservation in 55 years.

"We know well the imperfect relationship that the United States and its Government has enjoyed with the Tribal Nations," admitted Clinton. "But I have seen today not only poverty but promise and I have seen enormous courage."

Clinton's visit coincided with his announcement that Pine Ridge had been selected as an Empowerment Zone complete with a 10-year, $20 million grant.

"Give us your vision," he told the people, "and we will work to attain it...there are still reservations with few phones and no banks; when still three or four families are forced to share two simple rooms; where communities where Native Americans live have the deadly diseases and infant mortality rates at many times the national rate Ð when these things still persist we cannot rest until we do better.

"And trying is not enough. We can do better. Our nation will never have a better chance. When will we ever have this kind of opportunity where unemployment is low and inflation is low?"

Obviously Clinton didn't mean unemployment on the reservation which is around 73%.

But he did challenge America. "If we can't do this now we will never get around to doing it. So let us give ourselves a gift for the 21st Century - an America where no one is left behind and everyone has a chance."

Clinton's visit gave Pine Ridge unprecedented media exposure. The question is, will it make a difference?

"I think it puts Pine Ridge on the map in terms of federal, corporate and foundation decisions makers," according to Thomas Shortbull, Oglala Lakota College President. "We should not be forgotten as we usually are. Now it's up to us to take advantage by writing proposals and seeking programs."

"I'm glad [Clinton] recognized Shannon County as the poorest in the country," said Richard Hagen, State Representative from the reservation. "Hopefully, he'll follow through and we'll get employment. We're educating kids, they're going on to Oglala Lakota College, and where will they be when they graduate? We need jobs here and we need them bad and we need them quick."

He said he tries to stay positive. "It's easy to sit home and be negative and spread that attitude around. I'd like to see all the things Clinton talked about happen, but really, I haven't seen a lot so far." 

"Now it's time for the real work to begin," said Karlene Hunter, owner of Lakota Express, Inc., a reservation-based direct mail business located in Kyle. Hunter said she believes that both KILI Radio and the Porcupine Clinic are keys to the success of the Empowerment Zone.

"For the Zone to succeed we must build healthy communities and everyone on the reservation has to understand it and see how it will help improve the lives of their family." She said the Clinic is leading the fight against diabetes while KILI broadcasts regular reports on the Empowerment Zone.

"I have seen today not only poverty but promise and I have seen enormous courage."

President Clinton saw the overwhelming odds facing the Oglala Lakota people in our struggle to break out of the poverty that has held us captive. He also recognized the potential in a people who possess very little materially but own a rich culture. 

More and more Oglalas are earning college degrees and are working on the reservation in unprecedented numbers, but the number of available jobs are very limited even for those with a degree.

The promise of the Empowerment Zone is to provide a stable economic base for the future. That will only happen if we are helped by our fellow Americans because this is one road we can't travel alone.

KILI Radio and the Porcupine Clinic have struggled for years to provide crucial services to the very people on this reservation who need it the most, the isolated, the old, the sick, and the young.

Join us on our journey towards a healthy, productive future by becoming an Ally of the Lakota or by renewing your support. Return the enclosed envelope with your vote of confidence in our future. Thank you.