AboutRichard Sutton Expertise As a direct reservation trader in all aspects of American Indian arts since 1985, I've answered questions regarding cultural property issues, origins of traditional crafts, materials and techniques, collecting, authenticity, symbols and, of course, repairs!
Experience My primary focus is on Southwester American Indian Nations and their people, but I also have experience in Plains and Northeastern traditions, having engaged in active trade and retail since 1985 and study for most of my life.
Publications I was a guest on Fox Network "Lifestyles" program, during the 1990s, to discuss how to tell forgeries, and authenticating jewelry as Native American work. I have also written extensively for our website, www.kivatrading.com and our Ebay Store.
Expert: Richard Sutton Date: 2/4/2008 Subject: Colonial Williamsburg
Question This will be a strange question, and it may be a matter of opinion for you, or a sensitive one. You sounded like the one to ask based on the fact that you've traded and interacted personally with indigenous Americans. I was wondering about an idea, mostly regarding the Lakota, that may serve as a money-making venture, where buffalo are raised and cared for on a tract of grassland in as a wild a setting as possible. Any Lakota people, and anyone else who would like to, can come and live in the Lakota way c. 1700's through to the Sioux Wars as a profit venture for the public, just like Colonial Williamsburg. Part of the year, or all-year-round, people can practice culture, language, and the hunt and use of buffalo as a kind of tourist-based business, where visitors will pay for the opportunity to see, learn, and understand the Lakota and in exchange help them.
I am not looking to profit...I've just seen the dire circimstances remaining Sioux have found themselves in. I just wonder if it would be insensitive to suggest, or immoral to try. I understand that it is very naive, and probably insulting. If you have had any dealings with these people specifically, maybe you can offer some insight...or tell me if its crazy.
Answer You're right -- it is a sensitive one.
Most traditional Plains cultures, including the Lakota, prize family life above all else. As a result, the traditional life is one that seeks privacy, peace and quiet. The "Dances with Wolves" idea of a traditional life is one that has evolved. Traditional Lakota people, from the few that we've gotten to know, seem so highly focused upon creating their lives in their own way, apart from any restrictions beyond those they choose to adopt and honor.
Because of this, the people who would be willing to live under outside scrutiny would not be actually living in a traditional manner, but would be re-creating a past existence through someone else's eyes. On the other hand, mounting such an exhibit, as a presentation of the past and it's traditions of harmony and being connected with the earth is not a bad idea in itself. Maybe it would be something that the Lakota Tribal government would present to the elders as a means of generating some revenue, etc. -- tourism income could help improve lives at some of the hardest hit pockets of the Reservation. But they would need to evolve such an idea from their own vision.
As an example, take Rosebud, traditionally one of the poorest areas of the Lakota Reservation, Over the past decade, they have opened a home-owned chain of supermarkets and a tribal community college. At the time of it's inception, the presiding officer was the great great grandson of Sitting Bull.
So do some more research into the nature of the people. Visit South Dakota. Visit the National Grasslands Preserve in Eastern New Mexico -- a preserved tall-grass prairie near where Ted Turner has dedicated a huge ranch to the preservation of a traditional Buffalo ecosystem.
