– Nation’s Poorest Reservation Gets a Helping Hand from Nation’s Most Watched Travel Show –
NEW YORK, NY: November 18th, 2015 – AIM Tell-A-Vision® Group (AIM TV) announced today that its syndicated television series Raw Travel® will debut “Pine Ridge – Tribal Tourism” this weekend November 21 & 22, 2015 to kick off the Holiday Season of thanks and giving.
The Oglala Lakota Sioux Indian reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota is one of if not the poorest area in the entire United States. On the reservation it is reported that:
- Average annual per capita income is estimated at just $4,000 annually.
- Unemployment is over 80% and it’s estimated that over half live below the poverty line.
- Teen (and even pre-teen) suicide is estimated to be four times the national rate.
- They have the second lowest life expectancy in the Western Hemisphere (second only to Haiti).
- Diabetes is eight times (and infant mortality three times) the U.S. rate.
- There is a massive housing crisis with multiple families often crammed into small mobile homes, many without running water or adequate sewage.
However, thanks to a distinctive culture that incorporates ancient traditions and language, Pine Ridge is an emerging destination for travelers interested in “Tribal Tourism.” This is helping Pine Ridge residents hang on to their culture while creating a much needed economic boost. Raw Travel is raising awareness by highlighting an inspiring blend of locals, transplants, travelers and volunteers who are working hard to improve conditions. The show aspires to cultivate tourism on Pine Ride while celebrating its heritage.
The episode was intentionally filmed over the U.S. Independence Day Holiday Weekend (July 4th) and incorporated local talent (camera, crew and artists) to produce the episode.
“Raw Travel Pine Ridge is not poverty porn. We focus on people who impact lives daily. With the heartbreaking and rampant suicide rates, Native American youth in particular need our help. In addition to the basics, most don’t have access to pastimes like after school programs, movie theaters or even a swimming pool,” states Executive Producer, Robert Rose. “It’s unacceptable to me that this situation exists anywhere, but especially in the most powerful economy in the world. The people of Pine Ridge are resilient and hospitable in the face of adversity few of us can comprehend. I hope this episode will not only raise awareness, but also motivate others to donate, volunteer or travel to the reservation.”
The producers have created a micro website www.RawTravelPineRidge.com as a resource for people who wish to learn more with additional video content, links to help and travel tips. They are using crowdfunding to raise funds via www.CrowdRise.com/RawTravel and by selling limited edition “Still Here… Still Proud” T-shirts designed by young Pine Ridge graphic designer, Jimi La Pointe.
Raw Travel is also donating money raised through the sale of an upcoming special DVD release and pay-per-view fundraising screenings of the international-cut version of the episode. Funds raised will be allocated for after school programs in cooperation with the Red Cloud School featured in the episode.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO
Raw Travel’s Pine Ridge initiative was assisted by Jim Clements (Artwork), Manhattan Screen Prints (T-Shirts), Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Medicine Root Films, Red Cloud School & Heritage Center, Re-Member, Batesland Pow-Wow, Wakpamni Bed & Breakfast, Prairie Wind Casino, KEVN-TV Black Hills Fox 7 (Rapid City, South Dakota), Sequoia Crosswhite (music), Scatter Their Own (music), Alliance of Tribal Tourism Advocates, Daphne Richards-Cook and many more.
ABOUT RAW TRAVEL
Raw Travel is an authentic, adventure travel and lifestyle television series currently in its 3rd season and airs in over 140 U.S. Cities (91% of the U.S.). It is broadcast in syndication on local affiliates (Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC, CW, My, etc.) as well as on a variety of outlets internationally in Asia, Europe, Africa and more. Raw Travel showcases the rapidly growing wave of socially and environmentally aware independent travel. The series weaves together themes of ecotourism, voluntourism (giving back) with underground music and authentic culture in a way unique to U.S. television. More information can be found at www.RawTravel.tv and viewers can visit www.RawTravel.tv/wheretowatch for a complete listing of cities, affiliates and time slots in the U.S.
ABOUT AIM TELL-A-VISION GROUP
AIM TV is an independent content, production and distribution company founded by media executive and entrepreneur Robert G. Rose. AIM TV aspires to produce and distribute positive, compelling content that reflects its mission of presenting Media That Matters. Visit www.AIMTVGroup.com for more information.
