On the Rez

Ian Frazier recounts his experiences among modern-day American Indians, especially the storied Oglala Sioux, who now live on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the plains and badlands of the American West. Crazy Horse, perhaps the greatest Indian war leader of the 19th century, and Black Elk, the holy man whose teachings became known around the world, were both Oglala. Frazier visits their descendants on Pine Ridge Reservation - "the rez" - now one of the poorest places in America, and portrays the survival, through toughness and humor, of a great people whose culture has shaped American identity.