From my perspective, South Dakotan defines a geographical area and how one fits into that place to bring meaning to one's self-identity of "Who am I?" I draw from the notion of South Dakotan in the context of identity. I think of inclusive rather than exclusionary practices and how these sole forces impact and shape one's experiences as a Lakota. I often think of South Dakota and capture the deep essence of what were once the indigenous lands of what is known as South Dakota.

Who I am is first defined by my place within the boundaries of my Lakota reservation, all of which border the state of South Dakota and Nebraska. As a Lakota, my experiences were shaped looking from the inside of my reservation boundaries outward wondering about this place called South Dakota, which certainly did not capture my world view. I think of South Dakota as a place so external to "my place" which I identify as "my home"-the Pine Ridge Reservation. As I reflect, many thoughts emerge, one in particular, the uncomfortable(ness) of being among those different from who and what I identify as people like me. However, contrasting that thought is the notion of being among my own Lakota people within those indigenous Lakota lands (reservation borders) as a place of comfort; as a result I didn't feel the need to step into that space of South Dakota as a young girl. Today, I draw from the past experiences and convey that my identity lies not from being a South Dakotan, but rather a Lakota who had experiences drawn from South Dakota.