My XO Adventures recognizes that the land we work was Lakota territory. Specifically, we would like to thank those of Pine Ridge (Oglala) and Rosebud Reservation (Sicangu). These are our closest neighbors and members of our community. Our company and others benefit from colonizing this land which was stolen in 1877. The Lakota and many other Indigenous Tribes were forcefully removed from their Native Lands. Genocidal acts of the settlers and the U.S. Army occurred and rarely taught.
As we go through this journey, we strive to build authentic relationships within the Native American Community. Sadly, we have found that the damage done is capitalized on by certain organizations to fan the flames of prejudice, and methodically keeping wounds open to advance a political agenda. We have been directly impacted in our efforts to reach out. Rejection is commonplace, blame abounds and actions taken over 150 years ago are assigned to those that had nothing to do with these tragic events.
So long as this continues, nothing good will happen. This means we study as much as we can, and make a genuine effort to share the information as we know it. While some may not like this, we believe our guests deserve answers. Some day this may change, but for now there are those within the Native American community that would rather focus on the suppression of the Lakota people, and further harm to all parties.
We do not support any further relocation efforts for those who came later. We also do not advocate for the return of the Black Hills. This land now belongs to all Americans, no matter what color, race or creed. However, we have faith that there is a solution and, through collaboration, will manifest.
History cannot be changed, but how we right these wrongs will define us for generations. We also recognize the unwillingness for both sides to communicate. Certain organizations exist to focus on issues that divide, rather than bring us together. In order to advance, people need to let go of methods that don’t work, along with the hatred and division that some organizations promote. At the moment, this is being promoted by both ends of the spectrum.
The Black Hills are sacred and should be accessible to all. Let us recognize the inequalities and fix them. Let us recognize those that cause division and stop supporting them. Let us think for ourselves and treat each other with kindness. Let us move forward together as one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for ALL.
We do not claim to know the solutions to the “Land Back” and many other problems resulting in the unnecessary suffering of the Lakota People. However, we’d like to be a part of the solution. Through education, interaction, and connection to commerce within Pine Ridge and other reservations, we can provide some relief to those families and honor their ancestors.
