South Dakota’s Native Communities
I am grateful for the rich traditions of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people that are woven into the fabric of South Dakota’s history. They are a significant part of what makes South Dakota such a unique and special place. South Dakota has been home to some of history’s greatest Native American warriors, including Chief Sitting Bull and Chief Crazy Horse. Today, we’re lucky to have a new generation of tribal leaders who continue to fight day in and day out for the communities in which they live. I know I’m not alone in considering myself extremely grateful to live in a state that honors its Native American history and traditions. Native American culture can be found in every corner of our state. Whether it’s language, food, or events, the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people have left, and are continuing to leave, an important mark on our state and nation.
Fighting for a Better Indian Health Service
I’ve been working for years to reform and modernize the broken Indian Health Service (IHS). IHS is tasked with providing health care to tribal members in South Dakota and around the country – care they depend on, but for far too long has been substandard. There are many talented and dedicated employees who work at IHS facilities in South Dakota and throughout the Great Plains, but the organization as a whole is so wrought with systemic problems that it hardly deserves the title in which it has been given. The agency can and must do better, and I will continue fighting for change.
Recent Actions:
July 2006
Date | Title |
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7/19/06 | Appropriations Subcommittee Approves Thune Funding Requests for South Dakota Education and Health Initiatives |
7/12/06 | Thune Honors Lakota Code Talker |
June 2006
Date | Title |
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6/28/06 | Thune: Code Talker Was an Inspiration |
6/15/06 | Thune Works for Parity for Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribes |
May 2006
Date | Title |
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5/18/06 | Thune Addresses Summit on Improving Native American Health through Telehealth and Emerging Technologies |
April 2006
Date | Title |
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4/11/06 | Thune Sends Letter in Support of Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's Funding Needs |
March 2006
Date | Title |
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3/15/06 | Thune: Pine Ridge to Receive Much-Needed COPS Money |
3/10/06 | Thune Meets with IHS Director to Discuss Wagner ER and Native American Health Issues |
December 2005
Date | Title |
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12/23/05 | Senator Thune Made Last Ditch Effort to Keep Wagner Service Unit ER Open |
November 2005
Date | Title |
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11/4/05 | National American Indian Heritage Month: Celebrating a Rich Culture; Securing a Bright Future |