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Indian Affairs

South Dakota's nine tribes of the Great Sioux Nation face numerous challenges. I am committed to helping South Dakota’s tribes face those challenges and believe that many issues in Indian country must be addressed in new ways. Specifically, I am committed to promoting economic development and working to ensure there is basic law and order in Indian communities.

One significant success was the enactment of the Tribal Law and Order Act. As an original cosponsor, I am proud of the changes that were made, including allowing federal magistrates to hold court and other proceedings in tribal court and increasing the maximum hiring age of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers, which hopefully will lead to increased safety and rule of law in Indian Country.

Even with this success there is still much more work to be done. I will continue working to ensure that the BIA and the Indian Health Service are responsive to Tribal needs. Most importantly, I will continue to promote open communication by holding regular meetings with tribal leaders and representatives to explore new ways to improve conditions in Indian country.

November 2012
Date Title
11/10/12 National American Indian Heritage Month: Celebrating Traditions, Overcoming Challenges
September 2012
Date Title
9/18/12 Thune Presses IHS and VA to Evaluate Service Agreements
9/17/12 Thune Requests Relocation of Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile for Great Plains Region
September 2011
Date Title
9/27/11 SENATORS URGE IMPROVEMENTS TO INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE
9/23/11 Thune Participates in Tribal Law and Order Act Hearing
December 2010
Date Title
12/31/10 New Opportunities for a New Year
July 2010
Date Title
7/29/10 Thune Praises New Tribal Security Law
7/21/10 Thune Applauds House Passage of Tribal Law and Order Act
June 2010
Date Title
6/30/10 Committee Approves Bill to Help Native American Vets with Disabilities Receive Housing Assistance
6/24/10 U.S. Senate Passes Tribal Law and Order Act