Abstract
Nearly 10,000 South Sudanese families of differing tribal ethnicities reside in Omaha, Nebraska—the largest population in one concentrated area outside of South Sudan. One of the most urgent and demanding questions of this community is how reconciliation can be sought when deep-rooted pain and conflict are still alive. How can peace be found, and hearts be mended, when century-old structures are still in place to perpetuate cycles of poverty, racism, tribalism, and violence? The intersections of these realities are hardly coincidental, which sheds light on the symptoms of a much deeper wound. As an institution of higher learning, there is a responsibility to engage with local communities in a way that promotes communal harmony and establishes global understanding. Through this research, Creighton University utilizes students from international backgrounds to build a bridge toward communal justice, reconciliation, and connection in Omaha, Nebraska.
TopBackground
The first research method involved the recruitment of 10 South Sudanese interviewees with diverse ethnic backgrounds. This process was led by two student research investigators, who also identified as members of the South Sudanese community. That duality allowed them to serve as trusted gatekeepers to both the South Sudanese community, as well as the Creighton University research team. They hand-selected individuals from their community who represented each tribal affiliation, generation, and gender—hoping to shed light on personal experiences which serve as a collective narrative surrounding the challenges for Omaha’s South Sudanese demographic.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Nuer: The Nuer tribe is the second largest group in South Sudan. They are located in the Upper Nile region. Large populations of Nuer can be found in Malakal, Bentui, and Gambela. Gambela is a region in Ethiopia where the majority of Nuer families fled during times of violence in South Sudan. Similar to the Dinka tribe, the Nuer are known for herding cattle. Geographically speaking, the Nuer are located near the Nile river and have a surplus of petrol in the Upper Nile region.
Trip Set: A gang present in Omaha, Nebraska. Affiliates are primarily of South Sudanese background. The U.S. Attorney’s Office claims 150 members and associates who are affiliated with criminal activity such as robbery, drug sales, home invasions, and burglary.
Dinka: The Dinka tribe represents the largest single tribal group in South Sudan. Bagarazel, Abiya, and Wow are three popular areas populated by different Dinka clans. Majority of Dinka's to location in Northern Sudan, they rely on herding cattle which serves as a pinnacle to their survival and tradition. Bagarazel, Abeyare, and Wow three popular areas populated by a variety of Dinka clans.
Equatorian: Equatorian is a term identifying the people of Eastern, Western, and Central states of Equatoria in South Sudan. There are around 30-40 different tribal groups that represent the Equatorial region. Larger tribal groups include Bari, Mundari, Pojulu, Kakwa, and Nyagwara. Smaller groups include Lokoya, Ire, and Aru. Geographically speaking, Equatorians are located in fertile landscapes which allow for farming and agriculture.
Code Switching: The practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation.