The following represents the views of Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota).

It is one thing to wish for world peace, but is another to spark an international movement to push for such a lofty goal. It is important to note that last month, in a ceremony held at the United Nations, Arvol Looking Horse of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota was honored with the Juliet Hollister Peace Award for promoting world peace. Past recipients of this award include the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela.

The Juliet Hollister Peace Award is awarded by the Temple of Understanding to honor its founder, Juliet Hollister, and was presented to Mr. Looking Horse for the years he has tirelessly dedicated to building world peace.

Throughout his life Mr. Looking Horse has promoted peace and sought to improve life for the Lakota people through his spiritual leadership. His message of peace and his leadership in preserving the culture of the Lakota people has been an inspiration to Indian and non-Indian people alike.

Beginning in 1996, Chief Looking Horse honored June 21st by establishing World Peace and Prayer Day. This day was originally going to be four annual ceremonies that would honor the four directions, but these ceremonies have continued and garnered international celebration.

I extend my warmest congratulations to Chief Looking Horse for the benefits we all appreciate, for his hard work and leadership towards a lofty goal to make our world a more peaceful place.

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