A meeting on Thursday between leaders of South Dakota's nine tribes and Sen.-elect John Thune (R) was opened to the public.

Originally, only the opening and closing remarks were to be open. The middle session between with Thune and Gov. Mike Rounds (R) was going to be private, with a transcript to be provided later to the media after being approved by the tribes.

But tribal leaders said they didn't object to a public meeting, with some noting their people should be allowed to listen. So for about two hours, the tribes laid out their priorities, including opposition to the Bureau of Indian Affairs reorganization and expansion of the Office of Special Trustee, more funding for the Indian Health Service and better law enforcement.

Get the Story:
Indian leaders meet with officials (The Rapid City Journal 12/17)
Rounds, Thune meet with S.D. tribal leaders (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 12/17)
Thune, Rounds meet with tribal leaders (AP 12/17)

Relevant Links:
Native Voice - http://www.native-voice.com
John Thune - http://www.johnthune.com

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