"one wonders why, if this is and always has been sacred land, that the Lakota didn't start saving money long ago"

A couple of years ago in North Dakota I was lucky enough to meet a chap who was a Spirit Rider, and despite being white had been accepted into the inner circle of the Lakota on Pine Ridge. He told some great stories but left me in no doubt these people have nothing. Like indigenous peoples the world over they've been, and continue to be, treated like subhumans. They didn't save the money because they don't have it.

Down at the Grand Canyon I was shocked to find a room full of native jewellery and other items in the gift shop. A fellow was checking the stock and as I got my wallet out to buy something I asked him where he sourced all this stuff from. It turns out they're from the pawn shop in the Navajo res. That left a sour taste in my mouth, so I put my wallet back and left.