Raw Travel Pine Ridge- Home Page

The Oglala Lakota Sioux Indian reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota is one of the poorest, areas in the entire United States. But thanks to a distinctive culture that incorporates ancient traditions and language, it’s an emerging destination for travelers interested in Tribal Tourism. Raw Travel uncovers a blend of locals and travelers who are working hard to ensure tourism improves conditions and celebrates the rich Native American heritage.

Raw Travel, Pine Ridge was filmed over the 4th of July weekend 2015 on the Pine Ridge Reservation with the help of many locals and visitors.

Second Poorest County in United States
Teen Suicide Four Times the National Rate
Second Lowest Life Expectancy in Western Hemisphere (second only to Haiti) with men 48 YO / women 52 YO on average).
Unemployment Over 80% and Half Live Below Poverty Line
Eight Times U.S. Rate of Diabetes & Infant Mortality is Three Times the National Rate
Massive Housing Crisis. There are no Movie Theatres or Swimming Pools on the Reservation
Reservation is roughly the size of Connecticut with very little public transport (and most people don’t have vehicles).
No arts or shop program at any of the 7 schools on the reservation

ABOUT THE PINE RIDGE EPISODE:

We are raising not only awareness but funds on an ongoing basis that will go towards after school programs on the reservation in cooperation with Red Cloud School through the sale of the DVDs, “Still Here… Still Proud” T-Shirts and a crowd funding effort at CrowdRise.

You may also choose to help any of the worthwhile causes directly such as Red Cloud School, Re-Member and the Rural America Initiatives. Please see How To Help section for more information and how you can volunteer or donate.