Native American history is often unrepresented or entirely misunderstood in American schools. This is due to the lack of funding for culturally accurate education and a Eurocentric narrative. U.S. history education is centered around European colonization along with western expansion, relegating the atrocities that were committed against the Native American people in the process.

History of the Lakota

The Lakota people, also known as the Teton Sioux, were nomadic hunters who occupied a large portion of the Great Plains. They originated from the northern Mississippi area but were pushed toward the plains due to wars caused by the tribal fur trades. The Lakota people became fierce nomadic hunters and traveled across the plains in sync with the buffalo. The buffalo were their main source of food and shelter. They made sure to utilize every last bit of the buffalo that they slaughtered. Their hide was used to make clothing and tents. Around 1720, the Lakota people scattered throughout the plains, but by 1760, they relocated in close proximity to the Missouri River. Despite their closeness to the river, they were incapable of crossing it for quite some time due to the influence of stronger tribes such as the Mandan and the Hidatsa. In 1780, a smallpox epidemic killed off about two-thirds of the opposing tribes, finally granting access to the river to the Lakota people. The tribe crossed the river and settled in the high plains, near the Black Hills.

The Beginning of the End

The Black Hills were extremely sacred to the Lakota tribe. They believed that they could communicate with their gods there and that the hills were the center of the universe. They would bury their deceased and hold ceremonies there. The hills were the most sanctified land. When settlers arrived, the Lakota tribe attacked emigrant trains. This led to a vengeful strike back from the U.S. Army in 1855. Under General William Harney, the U.S. Army slaughtered over 100 Lakota people. As time passed, more and more settlers moved west to Lakota territory.

The Lakota had a hard time comprehending the idea of owning land. Community was what mattered to them, and they wanted to share the land with the settlers. The settlers didn’t think that sharing the land was enough, though. They forced the tribe out of the land they had lived on for years, and they did so in an extremely violent way. They murdered many of the Native people, but the Lakota never fought back. That was until the settlers discovered the shiny yellow metal encapsulated in the Black Hills. The U.S. Army waged war against the Lakota on the Bozeman Trail, and the Oglala chief steered the Lakota toward victory. This war later came to be known as Red Cloud’s War. This war resulted in the U.S. signing the Fort Laramie Treaty in 1868, which prohibited colonizers from settling near the Black Hills.

This treaty was broken in a short time by the U.S. military. Following the signing, many small wars were waged against the Lakota in hopes of gaining access to the precious gold that drove men crazy. As the U.S. Army expanded, it became increasingly difficult for the Lakota to continue defending themselves. They never once attempted to attack the U.S. Army unless it was in defense. The series of wars that ensued after the signing of the Fort Laramie Treaty were named the Great Sioux War. This war concluded with the Lakota people being pushed into reservations and the white settlers taking over the Black Hills to mine for gold. Mount Rushmore was carved into the Black Hills in the subsequent years.

I recently watched Randy Redroad’s (2001) film The Doe Boy, and I was absolutely fascinated with one of the plot points of the movie: Hunter, the main character of the film, was a young Native American boy who had a somewhat rare genetic disease called hemophilia.

According to information found in Public Medical Central, the first cases of hemophilia are traced back to ancient Egypt. However, when the European Queen Victoria transmitted the illness to her descendants in the 19th century, it then became known as the “royal disease.” Hemophilia has a long historical association with European monarchy as a result of inbreeding. This is a uniquely upper-class European shame and was seen as a weakness. It was a direct rejection of everything people were supposed to believe about European monarchy at the time. The distinct blue blood that ran through their veins—the very blood that made the difference between class and hierarchy—was literally being rejected by a member of the ruling class.

In Cherokee History by Sasha Blakely, Blakely explains that when European people first made contact with Cherokee Natives in the mid-16th century, the Cherokee had no immunity to their uniquely European diseases. As a result, outbreaks like smallpox hit them hard. Blakely writes, “It is estimated that around 75% of the Cherokee population died.”

Hunter’s hemophilia is a direct reminder of his half-European ancestry. Once again, it seems a non-Native outsider has infiltrated the Cherokee people and has brought with him his “white man’s disease.” This further alienates Hunter from his “full-blooded” peers in a way that is especially hard to recover from, considering how lost and unsure Hunter is of himself already. His dysfunctional relationship with his father only makes it more difficult for him to figure out who he is and how he fits into the world.

The connection between Hunter’s physical fragility and his emotional and cultural struggles is highlighted by his hemophilia. Being of mixed heritage, he must navigate the challenges of acceptance and belonging in two different societies, and his condition only draws more attention to his real and metaphorical bleeding between two worlds, which he is unable to fully integrate into because of personal and societal boundaries. Hunter's illness is a living example of the lasting effects of past tragedy and the fortitude needed to deal with its fallout. His hemophilia is as crucial to the plot as it is to the core of Hunter’s being. In a way, it defines who he is and carries more weight than an ailment ever should.

With just a couple of months left in the school year, students have many different opinions on how successful or enjoyable the year actually was. As a sophomore, I realize that my time in high school is fleeting. Instead of spending more time thinking about the future, I’d like to reflect on the past with my classmates.

I mentioned this to another sophomore, Ilias Maillis. This is what he had to say:

“It doesn’t feel real to say that we’re gonna be juniors. It feels like it was just yesterday that we were at Link Crew orientation, wondering how crazy it would be to start high school. Now we’re only two years from graduation, and I’m wondering where the time is going.”

I also asked him if he felt like he had missed out on anything or if our school was lacking something. He brought up the idea of a winter formal, saying, “I feel like we don’t have enough events during the school year.” Lastly, we reflected on one of his favorite memories: a football game against Brookfield. He said he played well, and it made him happy to see the great crowd turnout.

I also spoke to sophomore Libby Ciganik. She stated, “My favorite memories are making friends, cheer, and drama club, but I wish I had joined more clubs and activities. I’m concerned about junior year because many upperclassmen have said it’s hard, but I want to make the most of it.” Antonio Burkley, another 10th grader, also mentioned his worries about testing and difficult classes next year.

With the 2024-25 school year coming to an end, I hope that everyone is satisfied with their experiences and wish everyone the best of luck next year. Don’t forget to cherish the little time you have left in high school, and try to make the most of it!

On Monday, March 10th, the greatest event of the school year returned for its spring season: STEAM Bingo. In case you missed it, STEAM Bingo is exactly what it sounds like—bingo to raise money for STEAM programs. This event primarily funds the STEAM Fest, which took place this past February. Students and teachers alike come together to put on this fantastic event.

But the fundraiser isn’t the only reason to attend—there are huge prizes for winners! Some of the top prizes included a parking pass, a Cedar Point ticket, prom tickets, homecoming tickets, gift cards, t-shirts, and much more. For just five dollars, players received a stack of three bingo cards per round. However, some of the more competitive bingo players (myself included) put down a little extra cash to increase their chances of winning. Even if you spent $10 or $15 on cards, any of the prizes would more than make up for the cost.

Not only do attendees get to play bingo, but there is also a concession stand with a convenient delivery service. By scanning the QR code on the back of the menu card, players could order food right to their table. While the food was a great addition to the bingo experience, it was even more convenient when McCleery’s Market opened for business in the days following the event. If you didn’t get enough snacks at bingo, it wasn’t too late—you could still grab some treats at McCleery’s Market afterward.

STEAM Bingo is an event that’s definitely worth attending. If you missed it this time, be sure to set a reminder for next year, because it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

For many years, the need for action on the environment and climate has been prevalent yet often ignored. In the past year alone, there has been a spike in wildfires, floods, droughts, and extreme weather events across the globe. According to Climate.gov, the global average temperature has risen by two degrees Fahrenheit. Though this may not seem like much, it has led to extreme weather, ecosystem disruption, rising sea levels, and much more. In our area, the effects of the climate crisis are not as visible because we do not live near the sea and experience moderate weather. Drastic changes tend to occur in regions that are already very cold or very hot.

Unfortunately, little has been done by our government to prevent further disasters. However, we as a community have the power to make changes that better our environment and create solutions. One example of a "green town" is Greensburg, Kansas. In early 2007, Greensburg was hit by an EF5 tornado that nearly wiped out the entire city. Many citizens left, but those who stayed decided to rebuild with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy. Today, the town uses 100% renewable energy and prioritizes numerous green initiatives.

There are plenty of ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Simple steps include driving less (walking, biking, or carpooling), picking up trash, recycling, buying secondhand, and educating yourself on environmental issues. Making a larger impact takes more effort. One important area to explore is renewable energy—wind, solar, and hydro power. If more people utilized these sources, the benefits would be significant. Another impactful step is creating community projects to improve our town. Organizing city clean-up days or initiatives similar to Youngstown Streetscape—where volunteers clean, mulch, and plant—could greatly benefit Hubbard. These efforts not only beautify our town but also unite the community for a greater cause.

Lastly, bringing the issue to local government officials could be a huge step in the right direction. Demonstrating that we care and want change could be a game-changer. Think about the importance of our planet and how we can each do our part to protect it.

This is Mr. Jacktivities reporting with factoids and tidbits of information he has entirely made up. He has recently been made aware of a so-called “fad” most people call recycling. Jacktivities would instead call it “badcycling” because it is bad. People should look for alternatives to this harmful and unappetizing malpractice.

“What’s wrong with recycling?” is what any sane person would ponder. However, John Jacktivities is no sane person. He has bigger, bolder ideas. He recognizes all the ills that come with badcycling. Badcycling causes materials already extracted to simply be used once more. If new materials aren’t being ripped from the soil, then how will money be made? Where will the young mine workers find employment? This just won’t do. It also removes a vital food source for well-regarded creatures such as muskrats, sea turtles, and garbage trucks. It simply breaks his heart to see these wonders of nature starve.

Uncycling is simply a much more effective system to be using. It allows us to fill up our landfills that have been left ever so wanting. It takes up significantly more space, leading to increased competition within nature. Competition can only lead to growth, right? It also allows John Jacktivities The Third to consume as much as he wants. He loves to consume. It makes him happy. The more he consumes, the happier he is, and he is convinced the same will be true for everyone else. Thank you for your time.