Guest Opinion | An Ogala Lakota scholar’s fight for education 

It is too often that we take for granted the privileges that are given to us. Security in our homes, access to clean water, a good meal, ability to seek medical care and being in a place to gain economic and educational opportunities. These are privileges afforded to all of us, right? 

To Kylie “Red Willow” Richards, daughter of the Lakota and a part of the Oglala Sioux Nation from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and to thousands of Native Americans across the nation, the answer is no. They know all too well the struggles of living on reservations that have historically been markers for systemic oppression and exploitation of their communities.  

Kylie “Red Willow” Richards. Photo by Amanda Schultz. 

As a student at UCCS, Red Willow studies political science with an emphasis in public administration and a minor in pre-law. She currently serves as President of the UCCS Native American Student Alliance (NASA), while working with many of the other multi-cultural unions on campus. 

Growing up, Red Willow experienced a lot of change. Born in Fort Carson, her father was a member of the army, meaning she moved around a lot until she turned 5 years old and moved back to the reservation with her family. 

“Life on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is a complex reality of both immense hardship and profound cultural resilience,” Red Willow said. 

Red Willow acknowledged that there are huge problems that need to be addressed. “I grew up very poor. It wasn’t until I got to high school [that] I started to realize just how different we are from the rest of the United States.”   
 
Red Willow shared stories she heard of her family’s past, emphasizing her respect for her communities and her grandparents.  

“My grandparents were at the forefront of the Native American movement in the ’70s. It was empowering to hear stories of my ancestors, growing up, hearing [of] their sacrifices [made] so our people could survive,” she said. 

When Red Willow was a sophomore in high school, she worked as a Research Assistant for the Missouri Research Industries, where she focused on mental health awareness of the Pine Ridge Youth. “We have the highest suicide rates in the country,” she said. Richards’ research found that there were only six behavioral health specialists for over 20,000 members of the reservation.  

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Non-Hispanic Indigenous people in the United States die by suicide at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group.” 

Presenting this research at a medical school in Aurora was life-changing for her. “That was what fueled the fire. It is through education that I will have the tools to fight for my people,” she said.  

American Indian Movement Flags and Protesting Memorial Walk. Photo by Pauletta “Red Willow.” 

The Lakota Nation historically have experienced struggles with injustices from the United States Government. According to Human Rights Pulse, the US government has instated many policies and institutions (some that still exist to this day) that forced assimilation and control of the Native Populations. 
 
During the Cold War, the United States used a territory sacred to the Lakota known as The Black Hills as a dumping and mining site for uranium and toxic chemicals. The effects of the uranium waste have been detrimental to the living conditions of the Lakota to this day.  

“There’s been little Federal action to clean up these sites. Pine Ridge residents continue to suffer the consequences of toxic groundwater contamination and request for federal funding to conduct cleanup efforts have been largely ignored,” Red Willow said.  

According to a journal published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was supposed to provide compensation to those affected by uranium mining; however, Native Americans have been historically excluded. “The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation itself has been declared a national sacrifice for these wastelands to thrive,” Red Willow said. 

Though these communities have faced hardships and injustices time and time again, Red Willow emphasized that her community remains strong.  

“Amidst these adversities, the Lakotan people continue to thrive through our deep cultural traditions, language and community strengths. Our ceremonies, songs and storytelling connect us to our ancestors and provide a guiding force in our lives,” she said. 

Kylie “Red Willow” Richards. Photo by Dylan Raamot. 

Red Willow is currently facing a financial obstacle from graduating in May and is seeking help, not just for her, but for the sake of the future of her communities. If she is unable to secure her tuition by Feb. 5, she may not be able to walk the stage in May. 

“I am reminded of the strength of the Lakota people. In native nations as a whole, we have endured centuries of hardship, yet we are still here, and we are still fighting,” Red Willow said. “My story is far from over. This is only one chapter in a much greater journey. Wopila tanka. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and let’s keep pushing forward.” 

You can support Red Willow through her GoFundMe

Editor’s Note: This is a guest column written and submitted by a UCCS student. If you would like to publish a guest column, email The Scribe at [email protected]. 

Guest columnist Isabella Polombo. Photo by Salem Anderson.