Valentine is your typical small-town Nebraska with its population close to 3000 and 99 percent of that population being white. But the population grows to closer to 4000 around the first of the month when the Native Americans from the north come to town to do their shopping at the local Alco Discount store with the federal money that they receive. They will go on a spending spree with this money for a few days but then most of them are gone. They head back to the reservation, which starts just nine miles north of Valentine, in a car over loaded and tail pipe dragging on the asphalt. Most won’t return for more than two weeks and maybe longer if that car (referred to by ma

Powwows present a great opportunity for non-Indians to learn about the culture, and most are open to the public. They can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, and frequently include craft displays, rodeos and cultural exhibits. You might also get a taste of ethnic food such as the popular Indian taco, Indian fry bread or "wojapi," a fruit pudding. Powwows show a side of the Indians that isn’t usually seen by most whites or other races, and until you do see one you won’t be able to see the talent, liveliness, colorfulness, spirit and entertainment that is featured at one of these events.

Although there are many up sides to the Native American culture and most of them are very proud people there are some dark clouds that hang over it as well. One of those problems is drinking and it is a big problem among the young Native Americans. Alcohol problems among Native Americans are severe and widespread. Statistics report that the rate of alcohol-related deaths is about eight times greater for Native Americans than for the U.S. population as a whole. The problems of alcoholism and alcohol abuse among Native American youth are as severe as mental and physical health issues. It isn’t only a problem among the youth; older people men and women suffer from alcoholism. As generation followed generation, and more of the culture and identity of the past was lost, newer generations of the Native population eventually found alcohol to be their only salvation. With no strong cultural heritage to lead them, and a continued lack of acceptance out in the world at large, there has been little else left them. Even if they could go back to the days of hunting buffalo and living off the land, where are the buffalo today, and what's become of the vast land that was once their cherished home?

Alcohol, like many other detrimental elements in our society, need not gain the upper hand. And placing blame will not regain what was lost, nor will it ease the path to a better future. What was done in years gone by needs to be forgotten and the Na

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