American Indian Committee
Air Date:01/15/2010
By Eryn Clement
The South Dakota House of Representatives has rejected an amendment that creates a new committee to work with American Indian issues during the legislative session.
The State-Tribal Relations Committee currently meets outside of the legislative session. Democratic Rep. Ed Iron Cloud of Pine Ridge wants to change the House rules so the committee could meet during legislative sessions. His proposal failed Thursday in the House with a forty-five to twenty-four vote. Rep. Iron Cloud says he simply wishes for everyone to have a voice during session.
“I think if we work together regardless of party affiliation, gender, native, non-native, I think we could help make a better place for all South Dakotans and not just a select few,” says Iron Cloud.
Iron Cloud says adding an additional committee to the legislative session improves communication between the state and tribes despite opponents belief that there is no need for a new committee.
Member stations can download audio file here.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
