Central South Dakota News

Senators Mike Rounds and John Thune have reintroduced the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act. This legislation aims to place 40 acres of land at the Wounded Knee Massacre site into restricted fee status, ensuring its preservation by the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes.

The land, located on the Pine Ridge Reservation, was acquired by both tribes in 2022. Following this purchase, a covenant was signed to maintain the property as a memorial and sacred site without development.

"The Wounded Knee Massacre not only represents a low point in U.S.-Lakota relations, but it also serves as one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history," stated Senator Rounds. "To date, the Wounded Knee Massacre grounds remain a symbolic site, with tribal members regularly visiting the area to honor the deceased. This legislation would keep this land in possession of the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes to be protected and honored for generations to come."

Majority Leader Thune added, "The Wounded Knee Massacre grounds have long served as a place where tribal members can remember and honor those who lost their lives. This legislation would preserve these grounds as a memorial site and ensure the land remains with the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes for future generations."

Previously, this bill passed through the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in November 2023 during the 118th Congress. However, an attempt to pass it through unanimous consent was blocked on the Senate floor in November 2024.