[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 25559]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          CECELIA FIRE THUNDER

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to publicly recognize 
Cecelia Fire Thunder, the newly elected president of the Oglala Sioux 
Tribe. Ms. Fire Thunder is the first woman ever to hold this 
distinguished position.
  Located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in southwest South 
Dakota and comprised of about 16,000 residents, the Oglala Sioux Tribe 
elected Ms. Fire Thunder over Russell Means by a margin of 648 votes. 
Traditionally, the Oglala Sioux Tribe has only been led by male 
presidents or leaders. Those leaders include historic figures such as 
Crazy Horse and Red Cloud.
  Ms. Fire Thunder's election is truly a momentous occasion, but this 
accomplishment is not the first example of her selfless dedication to 
serving her community. Ms. Fire Thunder has devoted much of her energy 
to enriching the lives of those around her, and now she will take on an 
even larger role in her tribe. Her altruistic vision for her people is 
unmatched.
  Ms. Fire Thunder was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation but moved to 
California as a young child. Upon her return to the reservation 24 
years later, she attended nursing school and became active in an effort 
to provide free health care to people unable to afford it themselves. 
Fire Thunder's background includes her work at a hospital, for the 
tribe itself, for state government, and as a private consultant. Most 
recently, she served as the education specialist for Cangleska, Inc., a 
domestic abuse education and prevention program on the reservation.
  President-elect Fire Thunder was inaugurated today and I have faith 
that her hard work will be a catalyst for positive changes in her 
community. I congratulate Cecelia Fire Thunder on her election as the 
next president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in southwest South Dakota. Ms. 
Fire Thunder is a shining example of perseverance and strength for her 
people, and for all South Dakota citizens. I have known Cecelia for 
some time and I sincerely look forward to working with her for many 
years to come.

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