By Cheril Lee
Bellevue, NE – A panel discussion at Bellevue University earlier this week focused on the issues surrounding the sale and distribution of alcohol between Whiteclay, Nebraska businesses and residents of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
"Whiteclay: The Next Generation," featured regional Native American dignitaries, economic development experts and a member of the religious community. Indian activist Frank LaMere says the time to act is now because of serious problem with fetal alcohol syndrome.
Ho-Chunk President Lance Morgan says he believes that alcohol use on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is merely a symptom of the larger issues of poverty and despair.
The issues were highlighted in a 2009 documentary called "The Battle for Whiteclay."