Assignment
Many outsiders are seeking to participate in Lakota rituals, especially they sweat lodge and sundance. Do you think this is an apporpriate practice? Would you participate in one or both of these rituals if given the opportunity? Why or why not?
Put yourself in the place of a group of Native American leaders presented with the opportunity to develop coal and natural gas resources on sacred tribal land, which would involve allowing toxic waste to be dumped. If you agree to these deals, your people will get much-needed financial resources to develop schools, hospitals, and industries to provide jobs. If you do not agree, the sacred land will be preserved as the symbolic "center of the universe." What would you do? In a group setting, simulate a meeting of leaders to discuss the issue. Can you reach consensus?
Should the Black Hills, or some portion of them, be returned to the Lakota people so they may care for them spiritually? Why or why not?