The Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place is supposed to be a major Sioux cultural, educational and legal resource but lack of federal funding has kept the $25 million center in South Dakota from fulfilling its mission. Former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-South Dakota) championed the project as a way to promote Sioux culture and economic development. The center would house the Sioux Nation Supreme Court, which supporters say will encourage business on reservations by providing a stable judicial system. During his time in the Senate, Daschle secured $13 million for Wakpa Sica. But after he lost his re-election in 2004, funding fell to $350,000 and then to zero. The current request is for $150,000. Members of South Dakota's Congressional delegation support the project. Other priorities, such as the war in Iraq, are preventing the center from receiving funds, they say. Get the Story:
Earmark Gone, Indian Project Is One-Winged (The New York Times 9/12)
pwnyt Relevant Links:
Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place - http://www.wakpasica.org Related Stories:
Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place lacks funding (1/17)
Funds approved for Sioux Nation reconciliation center (12/01)
Indian housing funds see no major increase (11/24)
Bill includes funds for Sioux tribal project (3/10)
S.D. center to foster relations (07/11)
