Ep 6. Life on an Indian Reservation
- July 8, 2008
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8.5 (34)
In the season 3, episode 6 of 30 Days, viewers are taken on a journey to explore life on an Indian reservation. The episode follows a white man named Morgan Spurlock as he spends 30 days living on a Native American reservation. Spurlock is an adventurer and filmmaker who is known for taking on unusual challenges and immersing himself in unique situations to learn more about different cultures and ways of life.
For this episode, Spurlock goes to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, which is home to the Oglala Lakota Sioux. The reservation is known for having high rates of poverty, unemployment, and crime, as well as a history of tension and conflict between the Native American community and the federal government.
Spurlock’s goal during the 30 days is to learn about the challenges that the Native American community faces and to gain a deeper understanding of their culture and way of life. He goes to live with a Native American family, who welcome him into their home and introduce him to their daily routines and customs.
Throughout the episode, Spurlock learns about the history of the Oglala Lakota Sioux and the challenges they have faced since being forced onto reservations by the US government. He spends time with tribal leaders and community members, attending traditional ceremonies and learning about the importance of preserving Native American culture and traditions.
Spurlock also learns about the social and economic challenges that the reservation faces. He goes to a local school and meets with teachers who are working to provide education and support for Native American children in a system that often fails them. He visits a community center that offers resources for job training and healthcare, but that struggles to meet the needs of a community with limited resources.
Through his experiences on the reservation, Spurlock gains a personal connection to the people and the culture he is learning about. He becomes invested in their struggles and is moved by their resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
The episode doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of life on the reservation, but it also shows the beauty and richness of Native American culture. Viewers are given a glimpse into a world that is often overlooked and ignored in mainstream media, and are invited to learn more about the challenges and triumphs of the Native American community.
Overall, the episode is a powerful exploration of the complexities of life on a Native American reservation. Spurlock’s personal journey serves as a lens through which viewers can learn about the history, culture, and challenges of the Oglala Lakota Sioux, and gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing Native American communities today.