tribal relations

The history of Native Americans is deeply woven into the fabric of America, especially in South Dakota. While we are all South Dakotans, I recognize the sovereignty of tribal governments. This creates a special relationship when interacting with local, state and federal agencies. I am committed to working as partners to seek realistic, long-term and innovative solutions to the unique circumstances tribal governments face.

In December 2022, a piece of legislation I’ve been working on since I came to the United States Senate was passed into law. The Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act repealed 11 outdated federal laws, including laws that stripped Native American children from their families for the purpose of placing them in “Indian reform schools,” such as the now-infamous Carlisle Indian Industrial School.