Central South Dakota News

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced that his proposed legislation, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, has been unanimously approved by the committee. Introduced in January 2025, the bill aims to place 40 acres of land at the Wounded Knee Massacre site into restricted fee status. This measure ensures that the land will be held by both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes for future generations.

Senator Rounds expressed satisfaction with the committee's decision: “I am pleased that the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act has unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs,” he stated. He emphasized the historical significance of the site: “The Wounded Knee Massacre represents a devastating low point in U.S.-Lakota relations and one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history. Thank you to my colleagues on the committee for agreeing that the land at this symbolic and somber site should be held in possession of both tribes to be honored and preserved for future generations.”

The legislation now moves forward to be considered by the full Senate.