Ep 19. Bridge the Gap to Pine Ridge
- July 19, 2013
In the PBS Specials season 3 episode titled "Bridge the Gap to Pine Ridge," viewers are taken on a journey to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Oglala Lakota people. Despite the stunning natural beauty of the reservation, it is also one of the poorest areas in the United States, with high unemployment rates and limited access to basic necessities such as clean water and healthcare.
The episode focuses on the efforts of a group of volunteers known as the Oglala Youth Leaders, who are working to bring about positive change in their community. These young people are determined to bridge the gap between the reservation and the outside world, in order to improve the quality of life for the Oglala Lakota people.
Through interviews with members of the Oglala Youth Leaders and other community members, viewers learn about the challenges facing the reservation, including historical trauma, systemic poverty, and the ongoing struggle for Native American sovereignty. Despite these obstacles, the young people of the Oglala Youth Leaders demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their community, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those around them.
Viewers are also introduced to a number of individuals and organizations who are partnering with the Oglala Youth Leaders to make a positive impact on the reservation. These include non-profits such as Re-Member, which provides critical home repairs and other services to residents of the reservation, and businesses such as the Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce, which is working to promote economic development and job creation in the area.
Throughout the episode, viewers are encouraged to consider their own role in addressing issues of poverty and inequality in their own communities. By highlighting the stories of the Oglala Lakota people and the efforts of the Oglala Youth Leaders, "Bridge the Gap to Pine Ridge" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community-led solutions and the potential for positive change when people come together to effect change.