Impoverished Indian tribe struggles between protecting their history and capitalizing on tourism
Skift Take
The Oglala Sioux reservation has the opportunity to finally benefit from its ancestral land, the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, with plans for a new national park that is favorably located among popular US attractions.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe occupies a seemingly prime piece of South Dakota — a vast, scenic reservation that stands near a crossroads for tourists visiting Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, the historic Old West town of Deadwood and other popular sites.
But don’t look for museums, hotels, restaurants or even many bathrooms here on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, because the Lakota make little effort to attract visitors or tourism dollars, despite the fact that they are one of the nation’s poorest tribes.
Up Next
Experiences
How Travel Brands Can Seize the ‘Q5’ Opportunity on TikTok
Driven by increased spending on experiences and the digital habits of younger audiences, TikTok has emerged as a key platform for inspiring and shaping travel decisions. Leveraging the platform’s reach early in the year presents a unique opportunity for travel brands to connect with eager travelers.
Sponsored 
Online Travel
Booking.com Executive on Why All Eyes are on India
Booking.com is looking at India for its growing outbound potential and spending power, even as it adapts to the last-minute booking behavior of these travelers.
Short-Term Rentals
Inside the Vacasa Bidding War — The Unfolding Battle
With Davidson Kempner's latest bid for Vacasa at $5.83 per share and the Vacasa board-endorsed bid from Casago at $5.30 per share, one thing is certain — this is not the end of the story.
Tourism
Tariffs Won’t Be a Direct Hit on Travel - But They Can Still Hurt
For the travel industry, the impact of tariffs is indirect. But the knock-on effects could be significant: Will tourists still be eager to visit the U.S.?
Online Travel
State of Airbnb, Delta's Performance and U.S.-Canada Tensions: Top Questions for Ask Skift
We provide answers to some of Ask Skift's most common questions, including on Airbnb's plans, how Delta Air Lines is doing in the U.S., and the impact of U.S.-Canada tariff battle on tourism.