Weekly Column: Heritage, Honor, and Sovereignty

Statement

Last year, I had the opportunity to help honor hundreds of Native American code talkers with the Congressional Gold Medal. These men were critical to our success in numerous battles during World War II, using their native languages to help protect, defend, and secure freedom. There are hundreds of stories about their bravery and altruism, but I've never forgotten one article I read where an Oglala Lakota member explained that when he was first approached about becoming a code talker, he said: "I don't want rank. I don't want money. I just want to do what I can to protect America and our way of life." To me, that statement reflects the selflessness and sense of duty that is embedded in the heritage and traditions of Native American communities.

November is Native American Heritage Month and in South Dakota, much of our own history is tied to Indian Country. It's one of the reasons I've remained committed to protecting tribal sovereignty, offering support for safer schools and an improved healthcare system on reservations, and promoting economic development in our Native American communities.

One of the issues I talk most about with tribal leaders is tribal sovereignty, or the ability for tribes to govern themselves. One area of concern has been the expansion of authority the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has tried to impose on Indian Country. The NLRB was set up to help oversee union elections, but it has become the bureaucratic arm of Big Labor. By further expanding jurisdiction, NLRB threatened the foundation of Indian law and the principle of tribal sovereignty. As a result, I introduced legislation to help combat the NLRB's expansion by prohibiting the agency from regulating tribally owned businesses on reservation land.

South Dakota tribal communities have also raised concerns about taxes on individuals who receive support from tribal governments. When state or federal agencies offer things like school supplies to families in need, the beneficiaries are exempt from paying taxes on those items. The law wasn't clear, however, when it came to benefits offered by tribal governments. Last year, I helped co-sponsor the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act to help reduce the tax burden for these families. This bill was signed by the President in September.

I'm hopeful my tribal sovereignty bill, the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act, and a provision I wrote in the Farm Bill that would permanently establish an Office of Tribal Relations within USDA will help bolster the economy in Indian Country, but I understand that more must be done. Unemployment in Native American communities is far too high and incomes are too low.

Looking forward, I'll also continue my work to address human trafficking across the country -- and specifically in Native American communities. A few weeks ago, I participated in the Wiconi Wawokiya Prayer Walk in Fort Thompson. The experience was remarkable. The prayers, singing and dancing helped focus our hearts and minds on healing for victims of abuse and trafficking. The tribal members involved in this effort are inspiring and the event was extremely powerful. It's something I'll never forget. Project SAFE, Mita Maske Ti Ki, and others are working hard to protect young people within the Native American community and I am committed to doing all I can to support their efforts.

Native American heritage is woven into South Dakota's story. Tribal traditions have enriched our culture and played an important role in the American journey. Please join me this month in recognizing and honoring the Native American heritage that exists here in South Dakota.

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