Twelve-year-old Robert Looks Twice appears to be the quintessential all-American boy. He is the quarterback of his school’s football team, student council president and one of the top students in his class.
But he hasn’t forgotten his Lakota Sioux roots. Unlike most kids on the reservation, he keeps his hair long, a symbol of strength and he performs at powwows, traditionally known as wacipis, where he is a champion of the traditional Lakota dance. His moves emulate rituals performed by his ancestors. Robert was inspired to start dancing by his grandfather, John Tail, who had a small role in “Dances with Wolves.” Six years ago, John passed away and Robert wears little wolves on his outfits in his memory.
We are told his last name “Looks Twice” came about because his ancestors were cautious and always took a second look.
Robert lives in a trailer with his grandmother, uncle and eight other cousins. When he gives us a tour, the trailer is falling apart. “It getting ready to cave in,” says Robert of the kitchen floor. The family also put trash bags on the ceiling because it’s leaking. “When it rains it gets all my shirts wet,” he says of another leak in his bedroom. Often the electricity goes out and the family must use the burners on the stove to heat the house.
This kind of poverty is typical of the reservation. It’s the third poorest county in America and Robert’s community, Manderson, is known for its high crime rate.
“I want to be the first Native American President,” Robert told Diane Sawyer. “I want to build better houses, clean up the [reservation] because it’s bad. Build a better school and playground. Try to get a mall down here to help people get work.”
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But he hasn’t forgotten his Lakota Sioux roots. Unlike most kids on the reservation, he keeps his hair long, a symbol of strength and he performs at powwows, traditionally known as wacipis, where he is a champion of the traditional Lakota dance. His moves emulate rituals performed by his ancestors. Robert was inspired to start dancing by his grandfather, John Tail, who had a small role in “Dances with Wolves.” Six years ago, John passed away and Robert wears little wolves on his outfits in his memory.
We are told his last name “Looks Twice” came about because his ancestors were cautious and always took a second look.
Robert lives in a trailer with his grandmother, uncle and eight other cousins. When he gives us a tour, the trailer is falling apart. “It getting ready to cave in,” says Robert of the kitchen floor. The family also put trash bags on the ceiling because it’s leaking. “When it rains it gets all my shirts wet,” he says of another leak in his bedroom. Often the electricity goes out and the family must use the burners on the stove to heat the house.
This kind of poverty is typical of the reservation. It’s the third poorest county in America and Robert’s community, Manderson, is known for its high crime rate.
“I want to be the first Native American President,” Robert told Diane Sawyer. “I want to build better houses, clean up the [reservation] because it’s bad. Build a better school and playground. Try to get a mall down here to help people get work.”
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I hope his dream comes true. He can do good for all Americans.
You have my vote!
He has my vote!
Keep that dream alive, Robert! You are needed.
I admire this young man! Robert, no matter how hard things get you are what we need in this country. Not just the people of the Native Americans, but all Americans need your ambition for good! I admire you and will pray that you take the lessons you learn in your journey to do the right things and stay the course for your dreams.
Robert, it the land of your people, that my ancestors stole. No one is more deserving to be President than you. Work hard and you will have my vote!
If I have not passed on by the time you run for president, I will vote for you! Study hard little man. You are meant for greatness!
If the Americans really respect equality among humanity...as they have been professing around for a very long time...they would prove their truthfulness by electing this Native Spirit...as the Native President of USA...
I believe his vision will come true. Remember his name.
Hope your dreams comme true and have a happy life
Good Luck young man, you deserve to have a good life and success
Good luck in your life jounery!! And you ever in ireland come in for a come of tea!!
What an inspiring young man Robert Looks Twice is. His story is being spread far and wide and that is how I found this page. I hope Robert gets the opportunity to see the comments here, all comments from the hearts of people who hold him in high esteem.
I'm proud for you, Robert Looks Twice, and you should be proud of yourself, too. You are becoming a hero to those who admire you.
I sincerely hope that his dream comes true it is said you make your own destiny Robert Looks Twice good luck and never lose hope.
You touched my heart, made me cry, sending hugs and prayers your way...
I will stay on earth to see you become President of The USA......deal?...
I will stay on earth to see you become President of The USA......deal?...
I understand poverty...but I am bothered by his comment about the "mall" a mall will only feed people for a little while... the land if restored will continue to feed people...farming is not easy...but neither is starving...malnourishment... our food should not come from overseas... and more commercial outlets only sell us more and more to other countries...
We so much need NA in politics to undo what the whites have done to our lands. Mabey if some whites get their homes and land taken from them they will start to understand what NA have gone thru.
Study politics. 6 to 10 years. Withluke in 40y ears youll achieve a goal. If not declare bankrupcy. It will help
i'd vote for him ...i havent seen any one worth to vote for many years.
I think this young man is amazing. I am part Native American and if his wish comes true of becoming the first Native American President (true American President), I know in my heart, he will do the job "for the people" -- not for what he can get "from the people". I hope this dream stays alive in him and he goes for it. I only wish I was rich in order to help the Native people.....why they should live in poverty is beyond me. God Bless this courageous young man.
The children of the 7th generation will remember the spirit of all....
Keep on the path. Don't give up. When you make it to the ballot for whatever you do I will vote for you. Stay strong Warrior.
My heart weeps for your story, the owner of this land. I pray that innovation and prosperity florish rapidly in your area. I believe in your vision , Robert Looks Twice. May the power of your Great Ancestors bestow upon you. May the wind of Wisdoms lift you up high. May you sore like an eagle.
Before a Native becomes a President of the United States, they MUST FIRST start abiding by the same set of laws as a non-Native. They MUST FIRST fully become a part of us. NO SEPARATE BUT EQUAL! If he could do this AND assure that he would assimilate all Native People's into following THE SAME LAWS AND RULES AS EVERYONE ELSE, he would get my vote in a heartbeat. But, I will not abide by a leader of The United States of America believing that he and his people are NOT part of The United States of America but are, in fact, their own separate Nation within The United States of America. And that they should not be bound by the laws of the United States of American and should, in fact, abide by the laws of the tribal courts of their Nation. It is one or the other.
Since I first heard about you ive kept you in my thoughts and prayers. I believe you can change the world for the better
You are in my prayers and keep walking the Red Road. Dance with your one heart and mind.....
My heart is breaking for you young warrior - be strong keep your faith and succeed. Love and blessings from Scotland. Christine Schofield
Good luck to this young man who looks to be an exception. What's more important is to do something about the systematic problems that he and other Native Americans face. We cannot be a nation that relies on exceptions alone. Our collective hope must be in system changes that will allow the average person to be successful. That is would be a great and honorable system!
What a fine young man.
"Fully become part of us" you sound pathetic! Everyone is equal. People think Native Americans get all this free stuff and we don't have to go by all laws like everyone else, we do!
A Native American president! Now that would be full circle. Keep your focus!! You will be in my prayers.
I'll vote for you! You have spunk and tenacity, and you've overcome a lot already! You'd make a great leader!!!
It is an honor to see a young man with so much Native pride and determination. Many come from little but grow to something big!
Never stop the dream. The ways this country treats the originals is disgusting and so wrong on every count! My children are Lakota and I vowed long ago to do everything I can to advocate to this govt to help our people in ways nobody are doing....you will succeed....I will be right beside you helping! My son is headed for the NFL and he's only 16.5...determination..skills...long suffering and seeing that goal....never loose site of the prize...natives can accomplish anything and everything!
Aiye!
You must not know anything about Native Peoples, because the Last I heard, everyone has to follow the law of the land, except for when it is inconvenient to the Whites. The truth is, that Natives have to follow both. Even if they have to live on the Reservations, that is Federal Land, and because of this most Native Peoples are not on their ancestral lands. I wonder how you would feel if the situation was reversed, and instead of the Native Peoples accepting your ancestors to this country, they drove them to Reservations, would you look differently at Robert Looks Twice? Would you see him as a beautiful spirit, that could be a bridge for all people, or would you be able to see him as just another person to try to keep you down? Robert Looks Twice, I hope I am able to vote for you, just like I voted for Obama, because I believe that you would do great things for this Country!
I will be in the cosmos when you are ready to take your rightful place as a leader of the nation. I shall pray now to God and each day I have left est 5 to 10 years at the most that that He allows you to right the wrongs that befell your people and the Anglo's of today. Go with the blessings of Ye Ho Waa young man.
Jerry Thomas
I hope he runs. Will I vote for him? I don't know. I vote for ideas not the skin color. To vote based strictly on skin color is racist by definition.
He has my vote. :)
Proud to be a Native Canadian, id vote for him too if I could. He is a inspiration to many
Watch South Park before you decide what you want to be when you grow up.
Will someone with the means please help this young man and his family. I know that if his family is safe and secure it will aid him in becoming a leader to his family, his country and possibility the world.
I have a lot of admiration for Robert Looks Twice. It is an attainable goal to one who has your passion.
Go Robert go! I look forward to the day when you'll become our President.
President Looks Twice has a nice ring to it, both in sound and meaning. A President who Looks Twice isn't likely to get involved in unnecessary wars, for example. I fear, though, that in 23 years, when he is old enough to be President, there will be no recognizable country to be President of.
I say it's great. Wouldn't it be better to lead one's own country? For competition, do Lakota girls dream too? Maybe even Lakota LGBT+ girls?
You have an amazing family to have raised you so strong regardless of the difficulties placed in your path. I pray you stay the course of your own path and ensure you remain healthy and strong to give back to yourself and to your community.
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN, YOU HEART AND SOUL IS FULL OF LIGHT AND STRENGTH, MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS COME TRUE. SENDING YOU MUCH LOVE <3
Right On! It is Native Americans land anyway
What an amazing young man! I would vote for him!
'Look Twice,' you are an inspiration to your people and to those from around the globe. Your heart is in the right place and I know Yahweh (God) has great plans for you. Pursue you dream and knowing you will do well, I have faith in you Robert. I leave you with this and in hopes that you will be able to somehow read most of the comments who are in your favor. I pray and claim this promise for you 'Robert Look Twice' from the "Sword of the Spirit" which is the Word of Yahweh. "Yahweh bless thee, and keep thee: Yahweh make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: Yahweh lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." For it is written, because Yahweh saith it, and it was so. Amen :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
George Ramsey, Yes, It makes perfect sense.
I sure would vote for sure
I pray that you are successful. Pursue that dream to the fullest.
All of us who have seen your video send you strength, courage, humility, compassion, and understanding...you are a very blessed exceptional person...meant for goodness... and in that you will find greatness...Aho
I saw another article about Robert recently, and I remember thinking then that it would be a nice change to have someone like him leading this country some day. Robert, it seems you have a great desire, and with that you have much to learn. It is good that you have plenty of years ahead of you to learn all that you can and to prepare for this dream of yours. Keep in mind that it is not always the best person who gets elected. As for me, I will keep you in my prayers and hope that your dreams come true. You are a fine young man and I am sure you will have much to offer when you make your decisions as a grown man, regardless of what they are. If you wish to be a good leader, and strive to be a good leader, you will be a good leader in time. I wish you all the best... and never give up on your dreams!
Learn to be wise young man, learn to see beyond the money men into what we will need tomorrow and for the next generation. Make all people pay attention what is important and you shall have my vote and I will do all I can to support your in achieving that dream.
I'll remember the name.
Show no fear. Believe in your dream and follow it. Listen to no one that is not willing to listen to you.
You sound like a wonderful young man. May all your dreams come true.
You have my vote.
Dreams and aspirations do come true. You sound like a wonderful young man. Just follow that dream and stay true to yourself. You got my vote !
I hope I will still be alive when the great day comes, that this beautiful young man is elected as president !! America needs visionary like him.
We need a "native son" to bring true equality and respect to this nation and all the people who call it home. Study and observe, follow in the steps of the few truly great and humble leaders of any culture, and know that we are all waiting to see your name again. Peace, blessings, wisdom.
If I live long enough for you to run for President I promise you I will vote for you. We need you. One Love, little brother. We are all related.
Study hard stay focused and we will surely see you rise... Wish you were old enough now to become president! Love and light!!
This generation is not responsible for the wrongs done to all native Americans in the past.
But, we are responsible for what we don't do now.
For. Some, old wounds may never heal, but I pray for a.better tomorrow.
I hope by the time you are ready to run for President, this country is worthy of your leadership!
You are an awesome young man. May God bless you and keep you strong.
My ancestors were as persecuted as your ancestors were. I am not an American citzen but I have lived her most of my life. I have served in the US Army. My spirit guide is the White Buffalo Woman, and I respect and give honor to the ways of your people. Hence forth I will follow your progress. If you run for president, I will get my citizenship and I will vote for you, because then I will have a reason to vote. The circle of life in full swing... Keep your dream alive... call on your ancestors to keep you strong on your journey. Atanikili
I have never voted...I don't support this government in it's current form. I hope you succeed in your dream, and I will register and vote for the first time when you do...
Keep your dream alive by working hard, staying focused and never let anyone tell you that you 'can't achieve it!! May God give you strength on your journey and keep looking forward to all the good in store for you Robert Lookstwice for you will indeed go far!! :)
Counting down 18 years until Robert Looks Twice becomes President of the United States.
You definitely would get my vote! God Bless You!
You have my vote!
America needs to wake up and pay attention to what has been going on for hundreds of years, the genocide of our Native Americans! Their lands were stolen, they were starved, killed, sterilized, forbidden to speak their languages, their children taken from them to learn the white mans ways, exposed to dieseases, all because white settlers wanted their lands. It makes me sick to think that the U.S. Government is so hypocritical! Just like the Natzi's! It's time the wrongs are made right. The Native American People deserve a public apology, monetary reimbursements, ALL TREATIES HONORED, free college educations, free care for the sick and elderly, substantial housing and free healthcare, and free healthy food sent to the reservations since many were located on nothing but desert! If any U.S. Citizen thinks I am asking to much for these people then think again, we can do it another way. Let's get the $ value of all the land that was STOLEN from them and give each of them their share! Hey, since there aren't as many of them as when Columbus came, (thanks to the governments ethnic cleansing) I figure the government is getting a pretty good deal! It's time we have a Native American President and Native American's are treated with the respect and honor they deserve!
Why doesn't ABC help this beautiful family instead of exploiting them with a feel good story? You are an amazing young man and got my vote!
He would have my vote, and any I could influence, from my husband to adult children. Robert go for your dream, your life may be hard, but may it bring you wisdom and success.
I look forward to voting for this young man one day.
I am a white person who grew up in South Dakota and had many Native friends. I dated and lived with a Native girl who lived in a subdivision called "Lakota Homes" that was relegated to Native people in Rapid City S.D. I made many good friends there. I am all for Robert Looks Twice. I hope that his dreams come true. I would vote for him in a heart beat. I do however have an issue with him bringing a mall to reservations. We have many malls by where I live and we see them as inherently evil. They kill smaller mom and pop stores and they don't really care about the community they serve. Perhaps, he could build business with the money that it would cost to build malls. Other than that, I really hope to see your face in the elections one day Robert. And you people talking smack about Native Americans not living up to the role of a "normal" American citizen obviously never had Native friends, never been to a reservation, and haven't lived in a city or town that has a sizable population of Native Americans. Not all of them live on the Res. And the ones that do, are no different than you or I.
You have my vote
I love how this young boy talks about job creation. Get people out working, gain a sense of pride and belonging to a safe and better community. This is all anyone could hope for. Hold on to your heritage and show the world who your, and all people can be with opportunity!
Stand strong son. You have my vote!!
you have my vote and my families vote
Never let go of your Dream...turn it into Reality. You are your Homeland's future. Washte!
My prayers are with this young man and his family..it so saddens me to see him grow up like this..I indeed want to help if there is a way. <3
Yes Youngblood keep sacred the 4direction an keep the sweet medicine words of our great teacher an keep creator respected an connect n rise your ppl all of the lost you shall fined WOWITHANAHYE....a rising of voices Toemazhemz...
YES. I am with you. I am for you. Love with all my heart.
Seventh Generation . A'HO . You have my vote. You will.
I will have walked on before you ascend to the White House, Robert Looks Twice, but if you try, you will feel me, along with all the ancestors, cheering you on, comforting you when setbacks come, and even carrying you forward when you are tired and discouraged.
You are the Seventh Generation. Embrace your destiny.
If you've got the willingness, initiative and motivation you certainly can accomplish whatever you set your mind to, and I believe in you nephew, mitakuye oyasin
If you've got the willingness, initiative and motivation you certainly can accomplish whatever you set your mind to, and I believe in you nephew, mitakuye oyasin
Robert, the day is coming when we will have a native american president. President Obama has made that possible. The world is waiting for you, Robert! Get an education and make this happen! You have my vote!
Thizz reality izz a dream. Just Wake Up and you'll notice you're already the Chief
I hope I live long enough to see it.
Call RE-MEMBER 867-2282. We do some home repair which might be helpful.
We need change all over America, keep up your dreams and make your grandfather proud! He is standing by you at all times, even on your way to the White House years from now! If I am still alive when you run for President you will have my VOTE!
Robert Looks Twice I am proud to call you Brother. I am not full Native American but I have enough in me that I hope the ancestors see you and help you along your path. Truth, Wisdom, and Valor will make your path easier to travel. Your Spirit Warrior will always be there to protect you. Good Luck Robert Looks Twice. Your Tribe is your support.
One Anonymous says,'Before a Native becomes a President of the United States, they MUST FIRST start abiding by the same set of laws as a non-Native. They MUST FIRST fully become a part of us. NO SEPARATE BUT EQUAL'. Nothing has changed even after the Indigenous people got SUPPOSED equality. Equal so why is it ARMED police thereatening unarmed protesters, protecting their burial grounds, their water and their way of life? Big business thats why, if Standing rock is overrun by the Government you can say that America is down the tubes. Keith
"The children of the 7th generation will remember the spirit of all........"
I hope so
(Mitakuye oyasin)
May all your dreams come true!! Blessings!!
I am white and I say hold to your dream.You will be a strong man.I would applaud a Native American President.
I am white and I say hold to your dream.You will be a strong man.I would applaud a Native American President.
Fight please. Your voice needs to be heard.
I am old and might not be able to wait for you but if I am still here you would have my vote!
Stay focused hold in mind what you want no matter what, I too will hold your dream in mind, you have my support.
Be president if you want.
But also remember, that you do not have to be the president to do those good things.
You have my vote and keep moving in the right direction young man! You give me hope for my children and their children. I thank you for that!!
Hopefully you can do it! I wish the best! And the land of America will belong to those ones who really respect it!
An Unspoken Spirit with a Beautiful Soul and Our Creators Blessings to follow Your Dreams
Believe it with all your heart, walk upright in the direction you intend to go- with grace and pride and finally, with a beaming smile on your face, take it, it's yours.
Sounds Great. I would Live to see a Indain in the White House.
Young boy,
I will keep your mission in my heart.
Nobility runs in your veins,
You will be a leader.
Carole Raison.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU. I hope you make it not because of your heritage but because of your worth as a person, faith in your commitment, and strength in your heart.
keep going incredible !!!
Wonderful...eyes to the sky - no limits... you got this!
Wonderful...eyes to the sky - no limits... you got this!
Follow your dream and don't let anything stop you. You can overcome the disadvantage of living on the reservation. Education is the key. You have made a great start.
My smoke and prayers are with you young man, you shall achieve your dream that is well deserved. I won't be here then for I am an old man now, but I shall give you my undying, support, no matter where I am.. A'Ho you are a true hero.
Neache
native 4 president!
I would vote for him or a Native American.
j espere que ton reve ce réalisera tu mérite d etre Président tu es une très bel personne je vis en FRANCE si je pouvait voter je voterais pour toi je prierais pour toi et ton reve
Building schools is good. But the most important thing is to build art schools, music schools. Teach Native American children to love reading world classics.And it's time to be the first Indian President of the United States ..
You are what the US and the world needs ......
I will vote for you keep your dream alive
This will be full circle listen to the grandmothers though bring back the old ways the red Road