Show Up. Listen. Do the Work.

An Important Weekend on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

On Saturday, June 13, I attended a candidate forum at Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation in the Porcupine community on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Thunder Valley is an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization that addresses a wide range of issues on the reservation.

I was excited to join other federal, state, and tribal candidates for an afternoon of introductions, conversation, and listening. Community members shared their perspectives on issues affecting the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

We also discussed the constitutional amendments that will be on November’s ballot and concerns related to voter access and engagement. Most important to me was hearing, first-hand, about tribal members’ priorities and experiences.

Over the last nine months, I’ve learned how truly valuable the opportunity to listen is to this campaign. Every community in South Dakota has its own unique strengths, challenges, perspectives, and those on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation are no different. I believe meaningful representation begins with showing up, asking questions, and taking time to understand experiences different from your own. It is where policy should begin.

It was an important and informative afternoon. I left the gathering with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing this community and a renewed commitment to building the trust and relationships necessary to effectively represent this and similar communities across our state.

A specific thanks to Elaine MatoTamHecha and Andrew Cisneros of Oceti Sakowin Ho Was’te, who organized the TVCDC event, as well as those from the community, and other democratic candidates who participated.

DAY TWO

The following day, June 14 - Flag Day, the same delegation and I had the opportunity and honor to speak with Oglala Lakota veterans at a wacipi held in their honor.

Our candidate delegation once again made introductions, this time via KILI Radio’s tribal vets radio hour. We also had the opportunity to share our perspectives on a range of important issues. I specifically spoke about health care for our veterans, school lunch programs, and a few other relevant topics.

Later that afternoon, the delegation and I had the privilege of an impromptu conversation with Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out. It was an important opportunity to hear directly from tribal leadership about the challenges, priorities, and opportunities facing the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The President also invited us to share our ideas and goals as elected officials.

As our conversation wound down, President Star Comes Out presented each of us with a challenge coin, a meaningful and unexpected honor. For those not familiar, a challenge coin is often given by military leaders, elected officials, and other dignitaries to recognize service, achievement, or partnership. I viewed this gesture as a sign of respect and an encouraging start to our relationship with tribal leadership.

One of my favorite parts of the day was watching tribal members of all ages prepare for and participate in a wacipi honoring their veterans. As I observed all the pride and pageantry, I reflected on the many wacipis I have attended over the years and found myself drawn to the same conclusion. These gatherings are a powerful expression of living culture deeply rooted in generational tradition, resilience, and deep pride.

The wacipi also reminded me about the importance of ensuring that tribal nations have the resources and support necessary to preserve and strengthen their languages, traditions, and cultural practices for future generations.

One final note... The Indian Taco I had for lunch was bigger than my head, and the picture below doesn’t do justice to how large the fry bread was.

If you’re wondering, it was delicious.