Byron Dorgan: Indian Country is proud of all its achievements

Friday, May 18, 2012  

"Nicholas D. Kristof is right that Indian country faces disparities with the rest of the nation, especially in health care, law enforcement, education and unemployment — all areas for which our federal government has not lived up to its promises. The issues facing Native American children should be front-page news.

But that isn’t the end of the story. Pine Ridge, like all Indian reservations, is home to a unique culture and tradition. Tribal communities have the most inspirational and resilient young people I’ve ever met. Indian country has generated innovative economic development, cutting-edge health care programs and, most important, cohesive and powerful Native American pride."

Get the Story:
Byron Dorgan: Helping Native Americans (The New York Times 5/18)