COVID-19<\/a> at the highest rate of any group in America\u2014the most serious injuries, hospitalizations, and highest mortality at 2 and \u00bd times the rate of White Americans<\/strong>.\r\n<\/p>\r\nAt the dawn of time, the Creator gave us life<\/strong>, freedom to follow our visions, and a sacred duty to protect Unci Maka, Grandmother Earth. In the days of our Great-Grandfathers, the Great Chiefs Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Spotted Elk, our Lakota People were happy, we were healthy, and we had an even chance at life. \r\n <\/p>\r\nThen America came to take the largest gold mine in the world, and with it, our sacred home in the Black Hills. Then America took our best river bottom lands. The United States sent us to the starkest lands on the Prairie, not suitable for winter living and told us to “don\u2019t complain” while America starved us. \r\n
<\/p>\r\nFor too many generations, we have lived in economic devastation, with 85 to 90% unemployment on our Reservations. There are no jobs in our remote rural areas. We need President Joe Biden\u2019s Jobs Plan.<\/strong> \r\n <\/p>\r\nOur Sioux Nation tribes need early childhood nutrition, pre-K education, and child care. The tax credits will help our children get the chance for a better life.\r\n
<\/p>\r\nOur Native communities need schools. Our kids need a decent chance at an equal education<\/strong>.\r\n <\/p>
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![\"Harold](\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/haroldfrazier-scaled-e1623415129341.jpg\")
<\/a> Chairman Harold Frazier of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe addresses the National Congress of American Indians in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 23, 2019. Photo by