The High Price of Free Land: Reckoning with the Impact of Homesteading What's Your Why?

"How do we move forward? How do we hold the past in all its complexity and move forward?" - Rebecca Clarren
"I think we're all here to be a good ancestor. How do we not create mess for our children and grandchildren to inherit?" - Judge Abby Abenanti (Yurok Tribal member)
Emy Digrappa interviews the interesting and sometimes surprising journey of Rebecca Clarren, a journalist investigating the hidden history of her Jewish ancestors' land in South Dakota and its impact on the Lakota people. Uncover the unexpected connection between homesteading, cultural reparation, and the untold narrative of Native American sovereignty. Join us in exploring the complexities of history, empathy, and the quest for meaningful reconciliation. 
My special guest is Rebecca Clarren
Rebecca Clarren has been delving into the stories of the American West for over 25 years, earning numerous journalism awards along the way. Her latest work, "The Cost of Free: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance," delves into the entwined history of her Jewish ancestors' land in South Dakota and the displacement of the Lakota people by the United States government. Her captivating storytelling and dedication to shedding light on the impact of historical events on real lives make her a captivating guest with a wealth of knowledge on cultural reparation, native sovereignty, and the far-reaching consequences of the Homestead Act on Native lands. Her deep connection to the American West and her ability to bring to life the impact of federal laws on real families make her an engaging and insightful guest for anyone eager to understand indigenous history and culture.
In this episode, you will be able to:
 Explore the Impact of Homestead Act on Native Lands to gain a deeper understanding of historical injustices and their lasting effects on Native American communities. 
 Discover Jewish Immigration History to uncover the rich tapestry of cultural diversity in the United States and the contributions of Jewish immigrants to the nation. 
 Delve into Writing Investigative Journalism to learn how to uncover hidden truths and bring important stories to light through the power of investigative reporting. 
 Understand the Role of Federal Laws in American West to grasp the complexities of legal frameworks and their impact on the development of the American West. 
 Embrace Cultural Reparation and Native Sovereignty to honor the resilience of Native American cultures. 
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
 The book The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance by Rebecca Clarren is available on Amazon, in independent bookstores, and in many library systems. It is also available in audio and ebook formats. 
 For further information about the book and upcoming events, visit Rebecca Clarren's website at rebecca-clarren.com. She can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. 
 Teachers interested in using the book as an educational resource can download a free PDF resource guide from Rebecca Clarren's website. This guide includes links to resources for teaching about native nations, treaties, and the history of land takings. 
 Wyoming Humanities produces the What’s Your Why podcast 
 For those interested in learning more about the Wind River Reservation and native cultures, Wyoming Humanities provides educational resources available on their website called Native Narratives.
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