The August 2012 cover story in National Geographic magazine offers an intimate look at life on a reservation and the inspired determination of the Oglala Lakota people of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to honor their traditions in the face of adversity and “150 years of broken promises.” In the interview, Olowan Thunder Hawk Martinez tells the author, “Write this: When the lights go out for good, my people will still be here. We have our ancient ways. We will remain.”

Story by Alexandra Fuller

Photographs by Aaron Huey