WASHINGTON, D.C.(HubCityRadio)- On Friday, President Trump signed the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act. The Act would place 40 acres of land at the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre into restricted fee status, making certain that the land is held by both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes for generations to come.
Sponsors of the bill was South Dakota members, Congressman Dusty Johnson & Senator Mike Rounds in their respective chambers. Each released the following statements.
Congressman Johnson:
“It has been almost 135 years to the day of the tragedy that unfolded at Wounded Knee and today, the president signed my bill into law to preserve the land where hundreds of lives were lost. I am grateful the Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes will be able to hold this land in perpetuity as a way to honor and memorialize the lost.”
Senator Rounds:
“President Trump has officially signed the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act into law. The land at this symbolic and sacred site will now be held in possession of both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes to be preserved for future generations. I’m pleased that our work on this legislation over the past three years has paid off. We will continue to tell the story of Wounded Knee and the events that occurred at this location 135 years ago this month.”
Leaders of the Oglala & Cheyenne Sioux Tribes also reacted to the signing.
President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Frank Starr Comes Out:
“As we approach the 135th anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre, we are pleased that the United States has recognized the legacy and sacrifice of our ancestors and that it has finally pledged federal protection for our hallowed land at the massacre site. This bill is an important step in the healing process for our Lakota people.”
Chairman of the Cheyenne Sioux Tribe, Ryman Lebeau:
“The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and our Wounded Knee Survivor Association, acting in consultation with our Oglala Sioux relatives, believed that it was very important that our Wounded Knee Massacre Sacred Site is in the name of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe, subject to the protections of our 1868 Treaty. The House, Senate and the President have agreed, so that we may remember and honor our relatives we lost at Wounded Knee, now and in future generations. The Act and the Report also acknowledge the history of the Wounded Knee Massacre and America’s Apology. On behalf of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, we say Wopila, with special thanks to Representative Johnson, Senator Rounds and Senator Thune. This is a good day for our Lakota oyáté (people)!”
The Wounded Knee Massacre took place on December 29th, 1890.
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