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State and tribal governments are currently clashing over a sacred area known as Pe’ Sla or ‘The Heart of All That Is’. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved putting the 2,000-acre parcel of South Dakota Black Hills land into trust. A coalition of the Shakopee Mdewakanton, Rosebud, Crow Creek, and Standing Rock Sioux tribes purchased it in 2012. Governor Dennis Daugaard, opposes the tribes’ effort. In addition he suggested the tribes had more important things to invest their money in, like caring for their elders. How does the trust designation help tribes? Will this set a precedent for other tribes buying back sacred land?
This show is one of several we devote to sacred places. We’re interested in hearing what you think about our attention to this topic. Please take one minute to fill out this short survey to help us with our decisions on how we approach issues.
Guests:
Russell Eagle Bear (Sičháŋǧu Lakota) – Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Kurt Blue Dog (Sisseton Wahpeton) – General Counsel for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Break Music: Song Of Encouragement (song) Porcupine Singers (artist) Alowanpi – Songs Of Honoring – Lakota Classics: Past & Present, Vol. 1 (album)
The tribes have historically honored and protected the places and resources. The European Americans have historically broken their promises, ravaged the land and resources and cannot be trusted.
I know this because I am a European American and my forebears did this and continue to do so.