Yes, that's probably something else I forgot to add about the "I'm not naive" section. Rapid City is notorious for its racism against Indians. In fact there was just a news story about how these men threw beer bottles at Native children who were on a field trip to a hockey game; but Arizona is bad with that too, though South Dakota may be worse. Either way I'm sort of willing to take the risk at this point. Thanks for your comment.

-Juniper 'Stands Firm'

It is quite a beautiful place in it's own unique way, near Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Cheyenne River, Standing Rock and Paha Sapa, but please, please take care, I understand Rap City can often be hostile to the Lakota.

Oh boy, yes, everyone both here and elsewhere seems to be warning me against the hostility xD I like though that it is in close proximity to the Black Hills. I am surprised though, the drives to some of these reservations are long even for Arizona standards.

-Juniper 'Stands Firm'

It is basically at the foot of the hills. Yeah, long distances between everything up there..

I am from Rapid City. As I don't look native enough I don't get harassed (by white people), but things might be different for you as I don't know what you look like (some of the others in the native american community can harass you for this too, I know it's happened to me sadly.) But don't let that deter you! Also, about the hockey game, I think the kids only had beer dumped on them. Unless a news article missed something, I don't recall any bottles being thrown. Either way, it was messed up and shouldn't have happened.

Also be careful with whom you talk to in the community here, a lot of people aren't accepting of the 'two spirits' and even transgender/gay communities. But you will find tons of people who love and support you, it's just one of those things of being careful who you share that information with. And if life gets too hectic, there's always a drive in the hills to clear your mind. Rapid City is one of those places where anything can happen, some days are just fine, others throw you for a loop! Goes for the weather too haha.

If anything was unclear just let me know, I'm always up for talking.

Ahh I didn't know you were from Rapid City. Well I'm "unmistakably" Indian looking. I know that Rapid City and that area in general is brutal. We're talking about the poorest Indian Reservation in the country being near there and a very tragic legacy. I understand why they wouldn't be as accepting of two spirit people and I am fully aware that might be a problem. I'm up for talking about it with you. It's great to get someone else's perspective. I suspect my friend is focusing a little too much on the positives of Rapid City.

-Juniper 'Stands Firm'

Personally I wouldn't because if it isn't the place you want to be and you get stuck there for whatever reason, it might not be so good. Having been in that position myself (ending up stuck for 3 years in Arkansas trying to get a secure foothold to move westward from) I can tell you that settling for something "for now" can really try your patience if it's not where you want to be and things don't turn out like you planned.

But if you feel strongly positive about the Great Plains to the extent that it can help out-weigh any disappointments, go for it! Just be careful like  Spade-the-bat said.

Well I'm still thinking about it. I admit I am probably being somewhat overly optimistic and seeing this as a chance to live somewhere else that's very different from anything I've known before, but we will see. I am not taking lightly the fact that a lot of people seem to be advising against it.

-Juniper 'Stands Firm'

No, it isn't/can't be as brutal as New England. (chuckle)

In the past 10 days, 6ft (1.8m) of snow has fallen in Eastport, Maine, with reported snow drifts over 10ft (3m) in height. Close to 4ft (just over 1m) here in Disgusta. We've got another dusting of 4 inches (10cm) on the way for tonight here and double that for Eastport.

About 5 years ago, the coldest air temperature in the lower 48 was recorded in Northern Maine (-51..maybe -53F/-47C). That's actual air temperature, not factoring in windchill.

The "midwest" (old "northwest territories of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, etc.) was settled as a result of the "unlivable" conditions of New England during 1816, aka "The Year without a Summer". Due to major volcanic activity in the Pacific, we had a sort of mini-ice age. Killer frosts and snow every month of the year in 1816. People packed-up and moved west looking for a better climate/growing conditions as New England was too cold.

Until Typhon Olivia passed over Barrow Island, Australia in 1996, the strongest ground wind speed ever recorded right here in New England up on Mount Washington on April 12, 1934 at 231 mph (372 kmph).

New England is known as the most difficult place in the country for forecasting the weather and for good reason.

So, no, nothing can be as brutal as New England.


Yes, this is semi-tongue in cheek. You triggered the meteorologist in this squirrel. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

I've been through the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, "Wind"-oming and the like at all times during the year... The plains are not a great place to live. The weather fluctuates too much wind aside. A week ago it was 70 for the day on Nebraska for instance.

I grew up in Illinois. And as alluring as the plains states might be, honestly? You'll not like it. There's nothing to do and even less to look at. Boring is an understatement. Plus, it seems the Midwest is a culturally decode wasteland. Too many farmers or something I suspect. The Dakota region is especially bad. Especially when Iowa is a more interesting place to be.

But, this is just my humble opinion. Your path is still yours to make. I think it's a bad idea, especially given from what I've read from you, you like to do things, see sights and meet interesting people and the like. There are so many better places to be certainly. :)

Wow lol, a lot of people are advising against it! I'm taking it all into consideration, and I appreciate everyone's comments so far.

-Juniper 'Stands Firm'

No problem Juniper. I'd hate for you to be somewhere you didn't like. Especially should, like others have said; get stuck there. I moved 1100 miles from where I grew up in farm country, Illinois as soon as I was able. Fittingly enough, so did what's left of my family that was there as well as all my friends. I'd say if you had the time and means to at the very least visit and have a look about on a trip. But straight up moving is a bit extreme.

Hope this helps you out. :3

I don't know anything about the area itself, but opportunities like this don't come often. If your heart tells you to go, then you should go. The worst that will happen is you move on earlier than expected, which you were planning on anyway. Sounds like a great deal!

I'm glad you are in your way!!!.... Good Luck Juniper!!!... you'll find your job!!!.........