for many americans, mount rushmore is one of the country s most patriotic and awe-inspiring symbols, like a giant apple pie wrapped in a kid rock t-shirt, yee-ha. but for others, it s a reminder that this country was intended to be whites only. as we talk about the removal of controversial monuments and statues, mount rushmore is a part of that. located in the black hills of western south dakota, it s become the epicenter in a battle over who are the rightful inhabitants and caretakers of the land currently known as the united states of america. i m letting you go first because i m a gentleman. but really, it s because i m afraid. and these two have a lot to say about all of it. this is nick tilson of and krystal two bulls of the northern cheyenne and lakota. she is also a military veteran. we met at the entrance of mount rushmore park there with the ndn collective, an indigenous nonprofit fighting to get indigenous lands back into indigenous hands. our people this
folks. the indigenous people of this land who want their land back. whose land? our land. whose land? our land! reporter: if many americans, mount mushmore is one of america s most awe inspiring symbols. like a giant apple pie wrapped in a kid rock tee shirt. but for others, it s a reminder this country was intended to be whites only. as we talk about the removal of controversial monuments and statues, mount rushmore is a part of that. located in the black hills of western south dakota, it has become an epicenter in the battle of who are the rightful inhabitants and caretakers of the land known as the united states of america. i m letting you go first. reporter: these two have a lot to say about it. this is nick tilson and crystal two bulls. she is also a military veteran. we met at the entrance of mount rushmore park. an indigenous run non-profit fighting to get indigenous lands back into indigenous hands. our people call this a sacred site that they blew up
out here. with nearly 50% of the pine ridge reservation falling under the age of 25, they are driving a new wave of activism, taking back indigenous land, culture, and rights and they are determined to define the future of pine ridge. i m meeting the interns. do you all want to keep your masks on? following ms. vp. reporter: along with alicia muso, vice president of the pine ridge council and political adviser tasha friday. i will keep mine on. reporter: indigenous youth like devin and destiny are starting to peel back the layers of generational trauma largely by celebrating their pride in their lakota culture. a revolutionary act. it is a direct challenge to how in the past, the u.s. government made their cultures and traditions illegal. ever since i was little, i knew without my culture or my language, i don t know who i
looking to share the good news a other than the type news the media shares out here. the seventh generation has arrived. with nearly 50% of the pine reservation falling under the age of 25, they re driving a new wave of activism, taking back indigenous land, culture, and rights, and they are determined to define the future of pine ridge. i m meeting pine ridge council leadership interns devon hernandez and destiny big pro. do you want to keep your masks on? i m following vp. reporter: along with the vice president of the pine ridge council and political adviser tasha friday. it s under my office, so i m going to cope mine on. reporter: indigenous youth like devon and destiny are starting to peel back the layer, a revolutionary act. it is a direct challenge to how in the past the u.s. government made their culture and traditions illegal. ever since i was little, i