ROSEBUD – The Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council approved the distribution of $300 clothing incentives for Headstart through twelfth grade students living both on and off the reservation.
The action came after several months of the tribal council discussing the distribution. Last fall, the tribal council approved a school clothing incentive of $250 per student, per semester to be paid out of ARPA (American Rescue Plan) funding over three years, which totaled $1500 per student. Gift cards were issued to parents in the amount of $250 per child. However, some parents alleged their gift cards had no funds available when they tried to use the card.
The tribal council then approved a lump sum payment for each child of $1500, minus the amount they were issued on the gift cards. Several council representatives repeatedly stated there would be no school incentives issued for three years following the payout last fall.
However, with the election of new council representatives the school clothing incentive was again brought to the floor during a regular council meeting on September 27 and approved. Parents must complete an application and the tribe will verify both school and tribal enrollment before issuing a school clothing incentive check.
Parents and guardians, including the South Dakota Department of Social Services, will be required to complete an application with student name, current address, telephone number and tribal enrollment number. Parents and guardians applying for the incentive must provide proof of guardianship of students. Social services will receive the incentive for all students who are placed in their care.
Applicants living on the reservation must provide photo identification to pick up their incentive. Off reservation student incentives will be distributed by certified mail. In addition, off reservation applicants must submit a student schedule or enrollment verification document from the school when applying.
The clothing incentive will be in the form of a check and can be used for clothing, shoes, toiletries, school supplies and other related needs only. Applications are available at the Secretary’s Office in Rosebud, local schools and on the website until December 1, 2023. Off reservation applicants can download the form at https://tinyurl.com/yc873tn3
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe is not responsible for lost or stolen incentives. If you have questions, please call the Tribal Secretary’s office at 605-747-2381 or email nicole.marshall@rst-nsn.gov
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