[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 123 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S10358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             HE SAPA WACIPI

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to let my Senate 
colleagues know about a wonderful event going on back in my home state 
of South Dakota later this week. For 3 days starting on Friday, October 
8, the 18th Annual He Sapa Wacipi (Black Hills Powwow) and Fine Arts 
Show will be taking place in the beautiful Black Hills, traditional 
homeland of the Oceti Sakowin Oyate, or Great Sioux Nation. I can think 
of no better way, or place, to celebrate life and the vibrant cultures 
of the bands of the Oceti Sakowin Oyate, and of the many other tribal 
nations who live throughout the Great Plains.
  I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate the tribal 
citizens of the Oceti Sakowin Oyate, the board of directors of the 
Black Hills Powwow Association, the organizers and event staff, and the 
all those participating in the Wacipi.
  In Washington on September 21, 2004, we celebrated the opening of the 
National Museum of the American Indian. The events associated with the 
museum's dedication marked the first time in history that so many 
people from throughout the Western Hemisphere have gathered to 
celebrate a museum dedicated solely to their historic contributions to 
humankind, their many struggles for survival, and their present-day 
accomplishments and life-ways. Featured prominently in the museum and 
accompanying celebrations were the tribal nations of the Great Plains.
  The opening week of the museum was also historic because the Senate 
Committee on Indian Affairs held an oversight hearing on the 
contributions of Native American code talkers in World War I, the 
Korean War, and World War II. There have been code talkers from at 
least 17 tribes, the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota among them. As a 
cosponsor of legislation that would honor all Native American code 
talkers, I was especially proud to have met and visited with Clarence 
Wolf Guts, of the Oglala Lakota Nation, the last surviving Lakota code 
talker. I had the honor of presenting Clarence with a framed copy of a 
recent Senate floor speech I delivered that was submitted to the 
Congressional Record in Lakota, marking the first time a Native 
American language has been memorialized in the Record.
  Like the National Museum of the American Indian, and the legacy of 
the code talkers, the He Sapa Wacipi is a living testament to the 
tribal nations of the Great Plains. It brings people from across North 
America, young and old, Indian and non-Indian, together to celebrate 
life through song and dance. It is a chance for old friends to see one 
another, and for new ones to be made. The art show gives Native 
American artists the opportunity to showcase their talent, and there 
are various other activities, including traditional hand-game 
tournaments, contemporary Native American music concerts, and 
activities targeted to the youth. It is more than just a dance; it is a 
modern expression of the traditional values of respect, honor, devotion 
to family, and patriotism that so many of our tribal nations have 
embodied throughout history.
  For my part, I am sorry that my schedule keeps me from attending such 
a wonderful event. But I am proud to officially acknowledge and honor 
all those participating in the He Sapa Wacipi.

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