| PRESS
RELEASE Contact: D. Alice LaClaire
Jan. 30, 2004 Public Relations Director
Phone: 605-964-4155
Cheyenne
River Sioux Tribe receives a Visit from John Thune,
Republican Senate Candidate on Thursday, January
29, 2004.
Harold
Frazier, Chairman and Members of the Tribal Council
of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe met with John
Thune, Candidate for Senate on January 29, 2004.
Mr. Thune’s visit was to listen and learn
from the Tribal Chairman, the Tribal Council, Education
Administrators and the public. Some of the areas
discussed were: Health Care, Transportation, Education,
TANF, ICWA, Housing Finance, Economic Development,
Drought, and the Missouri River issue.
Chairman
Harold Frazier stressed the Government’s Treaty
obligations of health, education and welfare. Mr.
Thune responded that the Treaties are the Government’s
responsibility and if elected, he would make funding
and Treaty rights a priority.
In
response to the Missouri River issue raised by Tribal
Councilman, Kevin Keckler, Mr. Thune said, “a
consensus based approach is needed to manage this
resource by the Tribe, States, and the Corp.”
Mr. Thune also stated that water and transportation
are critical and necessary components for infrastructure
and economic development for the Tribe.
Chairman
Harold Frazier stated, “funding formulas for
all programs need to be returned to the based on
need formula, that way it will benefit the Tribes
in South Dakota who all have large land base and
a bigger population than other tribes.” Mr.
Thune replied that this will take Congressional
support and will strongly advocate for funding based
on need.
Chairman
Harold Frazier stated “the Tribes have a great
need for a Tribal Liaison at the Congressional level,
one who has lived on a reservation and understands
what it is like to live on a Reservation.”
Mr. Thune agreed that the Tribes do need an Advocate
at the Congressional level and if elected, he would
welcome suggestions from the Tribes to fulfill that
request.
Mr.
Thune expressed his support for the entire Tribal
issues and needs presented to him. He said if elected,
he would do his best to strongly advocate for more
funding to improve the living conditions on the
Reservation.
Mr.
Thune plans to visit the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation
sometime this year during his campaign trail and
will take serious note of all that was discussed
regarding the tribal issues.
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