Righting Wrongs

I came to Congress to solve real issues for South Dakotans. This office has awarded me the opportunity to meet and engage with constituents that perhaps I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to know. Every meeting that comes through my door is important, but I am particularly impressed by the intentionality of South Dakota's tribal members.

Since being sworn in on January 3, I've had the privilege and honor of meeting with Rosebud Sioux President Rodney Bordeaux, Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner and Cheyenne River Sioux Chairman Harold Frazier. Dozens of tribal program administrators, tribal educators and tribal citizens have also traveled to Washington to discuss education and healthcare shortfalls and opportunities. Meeting with tribal leaders almost daily leaves me with even more questions and the urge to research solutions. If one thing is clear, it's this – I've got a lot to learn.

I've certainly never pretended to know everything. If anything, I'm eager to share where my knowledge falls short and how learning from others can help fill in those gaps. The relationships I'm building with Indian Country emphasize the importance of jointly recognizing our complicated and tragic history. We must work together through our differences to make South Dakota, and our country, better for all people.

Earlier this week, I was made aware that U.S. soldiers from the Wounded Knee Massacre received Congressional Medals of Honor. This is yet another dark stain on our nation's past. The time has come for all of us to learn more about what happened, comes to grips with that truth and get a better sense of what should have happened in the aftermath and what can be done now to rectify this wrong.

Despite the tragedies of our past, tribal members are resilient and determined. They are not interested in the dependency the federal government tends to give. South Dakota's tribes want the federal government to do its job, uphold its treaty obligations and stop making problems even bigger. Infrastructure is a primary concern, which is all too common throughout South Dakota. Economies can only grow and develop if our communities, both on and off tribal lands, have reliable roads, bridges and telecommunications systems. We can do better.

As one of 435 members of Congress, I know I can't fix everything. Here's what I do know – I will never be anything less than a strong advocate for and defender of the Northern Great Plains tribes.