Suggested Reading (and some personal notes on the subject)

Winter is my season for reading.  My sources always come through for me...primarily Henry's Books in Spearfish and Again Used Books in Rapid City. I haven't been to the library in awhile, only because I've had a good supply already on hand. In addition to my newer acquisitions I always have my favorites that I re-read at least once a year. Those include Lost Horizon (I identify with Conway for some reason), Trout Fishing in America (it's not about trout fishing) and The Dharma Bums ("Let the mind beware, that though the flesh be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious."). The one I want to talk about, though, is the one I just finished - On The Rez by Ian Frazier. 

It was written twenty years ago, but based on my recent experiences, not much has changed between then and now. The author shares his insights, thoughts and descriptions of the times he spent on the Pine Ridge Reservation and surrounding area. He writes frankly and honestly, as evidenced in this passage (edited for length) - "There are windblown figures crossing the road in the distance who might be drunk, and a scattering of window glass fragments in the weeds that might be from a car accident, and a baby playing in a bare dirt yard, and an acrid smell of burning trash --- all the elements that usually evoke the description "bleak." But there is greatness here, too, and an ancient glory endures in the dust and the weeds."

Then there's this (speaking about the Sun Dance ceremonies that continue to this day) - "A hundred years ago Oglala who continued to practice their traditional ceremonies despite the governments's ban did so in secret, for fear of white people finding out and shutting them down; today the fear is of white people finding out and wanting to join." 

He writes extensively about SueAnne Big Crow and her legacy. If you don't know who that is, look her up. She deserves to be remembered and celebrated. I saw her play basketball and still admire her now as I did then for her talent...and her attitude. 

There are also vivid descriptions of locations, many familiar to me, that were once significant and important in different ways to different people, but are now just nondescript places on a hilltop or lone remains of what used to be. 

The church at Wounded Knee (occupied by members of the American Indian Movement in the 1970s) is long gone. But the gravesite memorial for the massacre of 1890 can still be visited. 

The grave of Lost Bird is located there. Another story I suggest you become familiar with if you are not already. 

I believe this chimney is all that remains of a once popular trading post -

And of course, there are mentions of the legendary reservation dogs that roam the streets and countryside. I tried to make friends with this one but he seemed a little suspicious of me, probably wondering what I was doing on his turf...a perfectly legitimate concern in my opinion.

I enjoyed the book. It has inspired me to go back for a visit. And I will when the weather warms up. I have use for a hand made medicine bag. I'm sure someone could hook me up with one. I would like to have a sandwich at Big Bat's. I would like to stop in at the SueAnne Big Crow Youth Center and see if Happy Town is still operating. And I plan on visiting SueAnne's gravesite to pay my respects. It's the least I can do.

Oh, and I'll try to remember to bring some milk bones for my four-legged friends.

Roger O'Dea     1/14/2025