Good morning District 27. Today we celebrate Columbus Day (aka: Discoverer’s Day on my calendar). In South Dakota, it is known as Native American Day. This holiday has always been one of great controversy and debate among historians. Having grown up in South Dakota and lived in the Martin area for 20+ years, I want to honor our Native Lakota people (Oyate) who live within District 27.
This past weekend, I had an opportunity to watch a portion of the live stream feed on Facebook of the 2024 He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate (Black Hills Powwow) at the Monument in Rapid City. What an amazing event to bring together tribes from across the United States and Canada. It looked like a fun event not only to attend but also to participate in. I heard various people cautioning the hundreds of dancers to stay fully hydrated in order to compete on the dance floor arena because there is a lot of muscle movement and energy required to perform some of the dances. I also enjoyed seeing the beautiful beaded regalia on the various dancers. The beaded artwork embedded in the apparel of the dancers displayed a significant part of one's cultural heritage. What particularly caught my attention was the use of the various languages that are being passed down to our tribal youth. I watched intently as the crowned princesses from various powwows across the country introduced themselves in their native language. See the Facebook recording posting: https://www.facebook.com/100064973550643/videos/1225897705286618.
It made me realize that despite what one hears and reads about the loss of the cultural heritage of the Native people, there is a new generation of youth learning their tribal language – a cultural value that is cherished amongst the Lakota people. As adults, we have a responsibility to pass down to our youth our values and cultural heritage. This also holds true for those who work the land – we have a duty to preserve our agricultural roots by teaching our children and grandchildren how to be good stewards of Mother Earth. This means that we don’t simply take but give back to our communities what has been passed down to us from previous generations and give back to the land to replenish what has been depleted from it. This reminds me of the lyrics of Tim Rice from Disney’s Lion King “Circle of Life” song performed and composed by Elton John which states, "Some say eat or be eaten. Some say live and let live. But all are agreed as they join the stampede, you should never take more than you give." This is so true. We are all members of the circle of life; however, each one of us must do our part to preserve our cultural heritage and agricultural roots.
If elected your state senator, I pledge to do my part to uphold our South Dakota values and way of life that was passed down to me from a previous generation. It is what makes our state great and why people have flocked here; however, that is steadily changing. We need to push back on the influences that want to change our South Dakota heritage and values. That is why I am running for state senate – to preserve and protect our "Circle of Life." God bless.
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