From souvenir to sundance: perceptions and participation of residents in cultural tourism on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Date
2009
Authors
Graham, Melanie Ann, author
Pickering, Kathleen Ann, 1958-, advisor
Browne, Katherine E., 1953-, committee member
Gloeckner, Gene William, 1950-, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Cultural tourism development on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota has the potential to increase access to the cash economy for Pine Ridge residents, as well as the potential to create negative social, cultural and economic impacts that threaten to overshadow any benefits. In the effort to develop responsible and culturally appropriate tourism, it is critical to understand how tourism impacts the daily lives of residents, and how they participate in these economic activities. Surveys and interviews with households (n=47) and business owners (n=43) explore how a Pine Ridge economy that is embedded in Lakota values of reciprocity and generosity interacts with and contradicts the global economy. Results reveal that this sample of residents expresses a generally positive attitude regarding tourism, as well as a strong consensus that the greatest potential for exploitation lies in the commercialization of Lakota spirituality. Additionally, the experiences of business owners demonstrate that tourism does increase access to the cash economy, but it is only a marginal improvement in local sources of supplemental income when entrepreneurs lack the resources necessary to compete in the difficult business environment on Pine Ridge. Understanding and responding to the experiences of local residents will enable communities to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism in order to maximize the positive outcomes, resulting in a tourism sector on the reservation that is responsible, accountable and undeniably Lakota.