A Response to the Red Lake Tragedy!

Howard Rainer
Native American Educational Outreach Programs
Brigham Young University

© 2005 by Brigham Young University,
Division of Continuing Education
All rights reserved.

I recently read an editorial from the Toronto Star that impressed me for the writer’s wisdom concerning the March 21, 2005, tragedy at Red Lake, Minnesota. There were several comments that made sense and could give all Native communities a “wake up” call that needs to be heeded by parents, tribal leadership, and educators.

In describing the young man, the author wrote of “a sad troubled youth, his parental support system long stolen from him.”

In reference to some tribal leadership, she remarked, “My concern is the security of our young. Native American society pays lip service to the importance of youth but we do little to listen to their true concerns.”

In observing the socioeconomic conditions of many of our Native communities today, the writer stated, “Our communities are primarily young, underskilled, and stigmatized by the weight of our past.”

The most damning statement I read several times over was, “WE DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE GIFTS THEY BRING TO THIS WORLD. OUR YOUNG PEOPLE MAY HAVE LOST THE COMPASS TO A BETTER FUTURE.”

I would like to comment on these troubling statements:

I agree that too many of our Indian youth today have had their precious childhood stolen. Abuse, neglect, and nonsupport have been tolerated and accepted in many Indian communities and it is long past time for change! If we have not been the best role models and examples to our young people, let us each make a personal commitment to make some change today that will restore in our Indian youth trust and respect in us!

Tribal leadership can no longer afford just to express verbal concern about their youth, but will need to show by example and tribal resources that they consider their youth the greatest resource in their nations and tribes. Many Indian young people, I believe, want a bright future, a decent job, and an opportunity to make a contribution to their community. Giving them money is not the answer. You cannot buy a young person’s love and respect with money. It is more valuable to take the time to teach them the values of work, community involvement, and tribal unity is urgently needed.

Sorrows and misfortune hang over some Indian communities like a dark cloud obscuring our young people’s view of a bright future. If we want a new dawn or if we want true healing to take place, we must first take charge of our own lives! Making better personal choices will immediately affect every single Native person around us. When a tribe or community decides “enough is enough!” with drugs and alcohol consumption, the tide of community tragedy will turn! What would happen if just five or ten Indian families rallied to the call in your community, stepped forward, and became free from the addictions that are breeding self-destruction among our youth?

I believe one Native American can make a difference, no matter where they live! We can start today by making better choices in our own lives that can help break up the dark clouds of despair, disappointment, and discouragement hovering over us.

I concur with the writer of this editorial. The educational system as it now stands does not recognize the gifts and talents of our Indian youth. We as adults have to praise and encourage our young people every day. An emphasis on learning and testing is surely needed, but what about addressing what was one of the main causes for this tragedy at Red Lake? There has be zero tolerance for bullying and making fun of fellow students. There has to be zero tolerance from Indian families having family feuds and animosity toward one another. Each of us can stop this! The power of community healing can come from treating one another with respect and letting go of the resentments and vendettas we harbor in our hearts. “I think some of you would agree that many of our Indian youth are acting out and behaving from the actions learned from their adult role models!”

We live in a time where “acceptance” is a powerful draw for our young people. They want to be accepted by their peers, friends, and classmates. Let us be more sensitive to those who are not being accepted, appreciated, and recognized. Let us take the time to validate those who are hurting and struggling through life. Let us teach our young to be respectful of others and have a caring heart. The best example is our own example.

I end my message by sharing what may be the key point from the editorial, referring to our Indian youth losing the compass of direction in their lives. I believe we still have time to teach and instruct by example what will give our Indian youth courage, confidence, and purpose in their lives. It comes down to teaching family and tribal values. It comes down to having a personal standard of conduct. It comes down to having a spiritual foundation.

It is so true “that if a people have no vision, they will perish!” This means a needed restoration for personal ambition and goal setting, followed up by praise and encouragement to fulfill them. Let us help our Indian youth dream and help their desires come true!

I strongly believe our Indian youth desperately need the compass of spiritual values in their lives. There is an even greater responsibility now for every Indian adult to show by example that prayer to the Creator is urgently needed just as much as it was needed in the turbulent times of our ancestors.

I believe with all my heart that the Creator God is concerned for the welfare of each of our sons and daughters. He also weeps, I am sure, at what He has seen from our own choices and behavior. The time has come to step forward while there is still time to reach out to the heavens for our Creator’s help. We cannot fight the huge battles of discouragement, self-destruction, and despair alone. Rally your spiritual leaders, Christians, and traditional people to do what they can to uplift the spirits of our people!

I wonder what our ancestors are thinking from beyond about this generation of Indian people. I know they are wanting someone to hear and heed this message!
Let us point the needed compass of hope, Native values, and encouragement in the direction of every Indian youth. Let us give them our time and listen to what bothers them or is urgently on their minds. We can no longer afford to ignore them!

The war is raging for our young people. I plead with you to heed this message. We are a good people. We are a spiritual people. We are a people the Creator favors. Let us show what really is inside all of us. Let us restore the Indian warrior spirit and be a visible positive role model for our young. Let us have courage by our own example to give up drugs and alcohol.

“I encourage every Native American to do their part to put out the small fires in their communities before the whole forest burns down!”

Arise Indian America and save your young people. It is your call!