IHS changes sweat lodge policy after another fire
The Indian Health Service has adopted a new sweat lodge policy after yet another fire at the Sioux San Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota.

A series of fires within the past year prompted the changes. The most recent occurred March 19, when an existing sweat lodge was completely gutted.

The Indian community in Rapid City plans to rebuild but IHS said all new sweat lodges must be coated with flame-retardant paint. All sweats must follow the city's fire code.

The sweat lodges at the hospital are used every day of the week.

Get the Story:
Changes come to Sioux San's sweat lodge policy (The Rapid City Journal 3/29)