Boyd Gourneau accepts the challenge of rebuilding the reputation of the Kul Wicasas Oyate as their new Chairman.
Rebuilding the reputation of the Kul Wicasa Oyate
Newly elected Chairman Boyd Gourneau is geared for the challenge
By Ernestine Chasing Hawk
Native Sun News Today Editor
nsweekly.com LOWER BRULE –– For decades the Kul Wicasa Oyate of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe held the reputation of being one of the most successful tribes on the Northern Plains. Their success was measured not only by their Golden Buffalo Casino but also their other clever entrepreneurial endeavors. While other South Dakota tribes were touting that they lead the nation in poverty, the Kul Wicasa Oyate were quietly leading the world in popcorn production. They also have the distinction of leading and winning a 17-year fight against the State of South Dakota who sought to stop them from placing 91 acres of land into trust near the small town of Oacoma. Then last year a Human Rights Watch report, which accused tribal leaders of failing to account for millions of dollars in federal funds, did seemingly irreparable damage the tribe’s reputation and the confidence of tribal members. Last month the Kul Wicasa Oyate elected a new chairman who said he is up to the task of repairing the tribe’s reputation and working through an impasse between tribal factions that nearly brought tribal government functions to a standstill. Boyd Gourneau, a Lower Brule Sioux Tribe member, will accept that challenge when he takes office at an inauguration ceremony at the Lower Brule Sioux Tribal headquarters on October 5. Following is an interview with Gourneau for Native Sun News Today. NSNT: Where you were born, how long you have lived in the Lower Brule community?
Boyd Gourneau: “I was born in Chamberlain and I’ve lived in Lower Brule most of my life when I wasn’t in boarding school, college or working off the reservation. NSNT: Why did you run for the Chairmanship of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe? BG: “After being on the tribal council for 24 years, 6 of those as vice-chairman, I felt that I could rely on that experience and help steer our tribe forward especially with a progressive minded council.” NSNT: What are some of the most pressing issues you would like to address when you officially take office? BG: “The most pressing issue will be overcoming the damage that has been done by some of our own tribal members along with the media and Human Rights Watch allies. They have discredited the previously excellent reputation of the tribal government with state and federal agencies, with our financial institutions, vendors, contractors and the public at large.”
Read the rest of the story on the Native Sun News Today website: Rebuilding the reputation of the Kul Wicasa Oyate (Contact Ernestine Chasing Hawk at editor@nsweekly.com) Human Rights Watch Report:
Secret and Unaccountable: The Tribal Council at Brule and Its Impact on Human Rights (January 2015) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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