Author Archives: Vi Waln

Rosebud Sioux Tribe hosts High Priority Performance Goal Summit

ROSEBUD CASINO – A meeting to discuss local law enforcement efforts on the Rosebud Reservation was held here last week. In addition, an overview was provided on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) High Priority Performance Goal (HPPG) Initiative.   The HPPG Initiative was first implemented in Indian Country during 2009 on the Wind RiverContinue reading “Rosebud Sioux Tribe hosts High Priority Performance Goal Summit”

Honor your Mom

My Mother was my best friend. She was a devout Catholic girl from the boarding school era who never, ever complained about being abused. She attributed her experience in boarding school as one that helped her achieve an admirable level of self-control. I believed everything my Mother told me.   She played basketball and wasContinue reading “Honor your Mom”

Special Rapporteur visits Rosebud Indian Reservation

By Vi Waln sicangu.lakota@yahoo.com MISSION, SD – James Anaya, an expert appointed by the United Nations, met with several tribal leaders and community members here last week. The visit to Sinte Gleska University on the Rosebud Indian Reservation was part of a fact gathering mission regarding the human rights of indigenous peoples in the UnitedContinue reading “Special Rapporteur visits Rosebud Indian Reservation”

Violence Against Women Act coming to the House Floor this week

Violence on our rez is at an all-time high. Gang fights, domestic violence, child abuse, aggravated assaults and sexual assaults are commonplace in our homelands. Many tribal members seem to just accept the fact that violence will always be a part of living on the rez. It doesn’t have to be like this. Our childrenContinue reading “Violence Against Women Act coming to the House Floor this week”

Sometimes we only get one chance

Last week I attended the meeting with the United Nations Special Rapporteur Dr. James Anaya. He came to Lakota Territory to listen to our people speak out about the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This was the first time I ever heard of the United Nations sending a representative to listen to our concerns. It wasContinue reading “Sometimes we only get one chance”