The Pine Ridge Project: Revitalizing the Forgotten

Abstract

This project ventures to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in western South Dakota. The reservation is home to a rich culture of Lakota Sioux Native Americans that, unfortunately, are living in one of the most impoverished areas of the country. Many are without proper housing and livelihood necessities and many struggle with illness and addiction. The areas that these people inhabit lack any sense of a community; there are no pathways or parks, no meeting areas or sports fields. There is no reason for them to feel like living in a thriving community whilst living in such a disadvantaged state. By addressing the disconnect and poverty issues on the reservation and by specifically focusing on small township and housing revitalization and providing better public/cultural amenities such as parks, pathways, and common areas, life and a sense of pride of place can be brought back to the inhabitants as well.