My XO Adventures Land Acknowledgment

​My XO Adventures recognizes that the land we work on is Lakota territory. Specifically, we would like to thank those of Pine Ridge (Oglala) and Rosebud Reservation (Sicangu). These are our closest neighbors and members of our community. Our company and others benefit from colonizing this land stolen in 1877. The Lakota and many other Indigenous Tribes were forcefully removed from their Native Lands. Genocidal acts of the settlers and the U.S. Army occurred and rarely taught. 

​As we go through this journey, we strive to build authentic relationships within the Native American Community. We learn in many ways, but we find direct interaction the best. Learning can be both painful and rewarding. We intend to share the stories we know, reach out to the Lakota people for help, and compensate them fairly. We currently employ Native American community members as guides, storytellers, educators, and in our operational work.

The Black Hills of South Dakota is home to the sacred land of the Lakota Sioux, known for its awe-inspiring Badlands and Black Elk Peak. This area is especially significant because it was promised to Chief Red Cloud in the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, guaranteeing perpetual ownership by the Great Sioux Nation. ​

​Tragically, the U.S. Government stole the Black Hills, despite their promises and treaties. Long overdue is the honoring of many promises made by our government over 150 years ago. It would also give Native Americans access to their most sacred sites and revitalize their spiritual connections and cultural practices suppressed for many years. 

​We must protect the Black Hills and recognize them as part of the Lakota people's heritage, which has been so callously ignored for far too long. We must return these sacred lands to the rightful owners and honor Chief Red Cloud's promise. 

​It would be a step in the right direction towards reconciliation between Native American tribes and the United States government. Doing so will help us create a culture of respect and understanding while restoring balance to an area ruthlessly taken from its rightful inhabitants.

​It is challenging and involves many issues, but our word should be our bond as Americans. Let us stand together and ensure this vital promise is fulfilled. The Black Hills are a sacred site and belong to the Lakota people. To restore honor to our great nation, we must right our government's wrongs where and when possible. We must plan to return the Black Hills to the rightful owners while finding reasonable solutions for those who have settled here.

​We do not support any further relocation efforts for those who came later. However, we have faith that there is a solution and, through collaboration, will manifest. Taking the land and relocating the Indigenous People was complicated, costly, and deadly.

Indeed as Americans, we can find a solution and make right this stain that enriched some while impoverishing others. These actions should not be the American way and are no good example for our children. History cannot be changed, but how we right these wrongs will define us for generations. 

​The Black Hills are an iconic part of South Dakota. The Lakota People's history is deeply rooted in this land. A just return of the Black Hills to its rightful owners would be essential in restoring balance to a region that has seen so much conflict over the years. We can no longer ignore the promises made by our government and its failure to live up to them.

​The Black Hills are sacred and should remain in their rightful hands. Let us unite and ensure that Chief Red Cloud's promise is fulfilled! Let us restore balance to a region that has been unjustly taken from its rightful inhabitants. We must return the Black Hills to the Lakota people. It's our moral imperative and a way to restore the dignity of our country, the United States of America.

​We do not claim to know the solutions to the "Land Back" and many other problems resulting in the unnecessary suffering of the Lakota People. However, we'd like to be a part of the solution. Through education, interaction, and connection to commerce within Pine Ridge and other reservations, we can provide some relief to those families and honor their ancestors.

You may find this statement to be what is called a "Land Acknowledgement." However, these statements mean nothing without action. When you select our tours, we'll do our best to tell the story of both past and present. We also ask that you donate to Lakota Funds. This organization strives to improve the economic sustainability of the Pine Ridge Reservation. There are many Reservations in South Dakota and significant ways you can help. ​

We would Iike to personally thank the following:

​Sandra Weaver CPA - Sage Creek Accounting and Consulting 

Ryan Little Eagle - Musician, Guide, Friend and Storyteller  - Ryan LittleEagle Music

Inyan Eagle Elk - Educator and Food Sovereignty Promoter

Whitney Rencountre - Chief Executive Officer at Crazy Horse Memorial

Ivan Sorbel - Executive Director at the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce 

Rosie Freier - Owner of Singing Horse Trading Post
​
Evans and Holly Flammond Artists of Pine Ridge

Native American Cultural Tours of the Black Hills and Badlands

My XO Adventures offers tours that employ and engage with Native Americans in and around Pine Ridge. To reserve or learn more about our tours, visit the Lakota Art and History Journey or our Black Hills Highlights with a Black Hills with Lakota Guide.

Please feel free to also make a request through our contact form below. We will do our best to help you with whatever you need. 

Reservation Request