Tribal Leaders and National Forest Service meet to discuss future of the Black Hills

2/17/2005 4:43:26 PM
Bill Sutton

The Black Hills National Forest is a scared spot for many Native Americans, and today tribal leaders say they want a bigger voice in how those lands are managed.

Tribal representatives and forest service personnel from seven different states, spent the past two days at Crazy Horse Memorial discussing the future role Native Americans will play in drafting forest policy in the Black Hills.

Part of the plan to get that done may involve creating a Tribal Advisory Council for the Black Hills National Forest, and developing guidelines to protect sacred native sites.

“I think we attempt to build a model…a working model of how Indian people can be involved in these federal lands and what we have to offer,” says President of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Charlie Colombe.

“A lot of hard work…a lot more communication…a lot more meetings working with the tribes on a number of different things,” says Brad Exton from the Black Hills National Forest Service.

The two–day tribal consultation and listening session also addressed issues concerning improving economic development, and educational opportunities for Native Americans.

Link to Report

Feb 2005 Reports

Last updated on February 24, 2005