[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 26 (Thursday, February 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


INTRODUCTION OF THE WOUNDED KNEE NATIONAL TRIBAL PARK ESTABLISHMENT ACT 
                                OF 1995

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                            HON. TIM JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 1995
  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing 
legislation to establish a Wounded Knee National Tribal Park in the 
State of South Dakota. The purpose of this memorial is to acknowledge 
the historic significance of the sites of the 1890 Wounded Knee 
tragedy.
  In December of 1890, Chief Big Foot and his band of Minneconjou Sioux 
journeyed from the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation to the Pine Ridge 
Indian Reservation. A tragic incident ensued which claimed the lives of 
over 300 Lakota--Sioux--Indian men, women, and children, and 31 U.S. 
soldiers, marking the last military encounter of the Indian Wars 
period.
  During the 101st Congress, the House adopted House Concurrent 
Resolution 386, which recognized the 100th anniversary of the Wounded 
Knee tragedy. This resolution also expressed support for the 
establishment of a suitable and appropriate memorial to those who were 
so tragically slain. This legislation will bring reality to those words 
of support.
  The Wounded Knee National Tribal Park Establishment Act of 1995 will 
recognize the sites relating to the 1890 Wounded Knee tragedy and Ghost 
Dance Religion located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the 
Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. The act will establish appropriate 
national monuments at both units of the Wounded Knee National Tribal 
Park. In addition, the act will authorize feasibility studies to 
establish as a national historic trail the route of Chief Big Foot from 
the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation to Wounded Knee, and a visitor 
information and orientation center on the Cheyenne River Indian 
Reservation.
  It is my hope that enhancing a national awareness of the Wounded Knee 
tragedy will promote a greater understanding between Indian and non-
Indian cultures and people. This legislation is the culmination of 
years of study and input from the many interested parties, including 
the tribes and other supporters of this long-overdue recognition. I 
appreciate the fact that Congress has shown support for recognizing the 
historical importance of the Wounded Knee site over the past few years, 
and I look forward to the continued support of my colleagues and the 
Congress.


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