The biggest lesson I learned was that a mission trip doesn't have to be just about helping someone in need. A Native American came in and spoke to our group about our future experiences. He explained that with all the mistrust and abuse of the “white man's” power to limit the land of numerous Native Americans, the best thing we can do is simply befriend and bond with them. The people before us have lied and betrayed the trust of the Lakota people and it is our job to help repair the damage that has been done. I firmly believe that these people have been wronged over the last two centuries and few people have made any kind of attempt to repair the damage done. One of the most memorable experiences for me was our visit to Wounded Knee Cemetery. It put into perspective the catastrophe caused by the abuse of power and permanently scarred the image of the Native American people. The same concept of Hitler's mass genocide comes into force when considering the large-scale murder of men, women and children of the same race. It really makes you realize how important it is to have morally sound individuals in situations where powerful, influential decisions are being made. However, the Crazy Horse monument was a shining light for Native Americans and will eventually become one of the greatest and most iconic symbols of Native American society. I'm really excited