The COVID-19 pandemic threw a curveball at the world, but for young people on the reservation, it only highlighted challenges they've always faced. 
\"Someone goes to school for filmmaking, they come back here and there's nowhere to get a job. So that's a lack of opportunity right there,\" shared Kyle Mesteth, Director of Ground Control. \"Someone has a passion for something and they go away and study it. And then they come back to the 'res' because they love their home, and then there's nowhere to get employment for all the work they just did in school.\"
This frustration isn't just about jobs—it's about the portrayal of reservation life in the media. Kyle feels that the stories told don't capture the real spirit and challenges of his community.
Young Native Americans are chasing their dreams, but when they return home, they're met with closed doors. It's like running a marathon only to find the finish line moved. 
But despite the hurdles, their love for their home keeps them grounded. The question remains: How can opportunities be created so that the passion and skills of these young people don't go to waste?
Reference(s):
The Race Gap in US: Because there's a lot of great things happening
cgtn.com
