Leaders of two South Dakota tribes said they are eager to sit down with Interior nominee Dirk Kempthorne, governor of Idaho, to ensure he respects the government-to-government relationship.

Wayne Boyd, vice president of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, said Kempthorne's nomination could lead to a better era in tribal-federal relations. He told The Rapid City Journal that past secretary Gale Norton made "all these major changes in policy that affects us" but didn't listen to tribes.

Cecelia Fire Thunder, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, also said Kempthorne needs to work closely with Indian Country. "Gale Norton pretty much pulled away from that," she told the paper.

Kempthorne, a former senator, is likely to win confirmation.

Get the Story:
Interior secretary nominee buoys tribes' hopes (The Rapid City Journal 4/6)

Relevant Links:
Gov. Dirk Kempthorne - http://gov.idaho.gov

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