Political Quotes

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I would like to offer an additional piece of legislation that I think would be very appropriate to include in the proposal. I ask today for consideration of the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act; that is, H.R. 3371-S. 2088. This would place 40 acres of tribally purchased land at the massacre site into restricted fee status. Both the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe hold a very deep connection to this event. This is the Wounded Knee Massacre site. There were relatives coming from the Cheyenne River Tribe down to winter near Pine Ridge. That is where this event occurred, and it is one of the most terrible events in the history of the United States, where Native Americans were killed and they were left to freeze in a snowstorm. As you all know, the Wounded Knee Massacre not only represents a low point in U.S.-Lakota relations, but it also serves as truly one of the darkest moments in our Nation's history. To date, the Wounded Knee Massacre grounds remain a symbolic site, with Tribal members regularly visiting the area to honor the deceased. In 2022, both Tribes purchased the 40 acres from a private owner in an effort to preserve the land. Shortly after the purchase, both Tribes signed a covenant holding that the property shall be held and maintained as a memorial and sacred site without any other development.…”