Reconciliation Begins for Native Americans in South Dakota

February 11, 2004

Source: Indian Country

http://www.indiancountry.com/?1076510698

On February 11, 2004 Indian Country reported that "the drumming and singing reverberated throughout the rotunda of the South Dakota State Capitol building just as the political impact has filtered into the state offices in the past year. The seat of government in a state with a dubious reputation for race relations has slowly become a place with a friendly atmosphere and a welcoming feel, many people who attended Native American Day at the state legislature said...The late Gov. Mickleson proclaimed the beginning of reconciliation at the 100th anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1990. Reconciliation has not been prominent until current Gov. Mike Rounds took office in January 2003... Arvol Looking Horse, 19th generation keeper of the sacred White Buffalo Calf pipe, said ceremonies and prayers are important to bring Mother Earth and all relations into the understanding in order to create peace. 'The state legislature should respect our homeland, the Black Hills and all our sacred sites,' he said. "