"It is a privilege to be here in Pine Ridge, to stand with so many extraordinary leaders, and to visit some of your sacred places – grounds that have been marked by tragedy and loss, as well as healing and hope. Nearly half a century ago, following his tenure as Attorney General, Robert Kennedy traveled to Pine Ridge to learn about the conditions here, to shine a light on the struggles so many faced, and to signal the U.S. government’s commitment to ensuring peace, security, opportunity, and – above all – justice on tribal lands.

Today, this commitment lives on – and it has been renewed, and strengthened, by President Obama and this Administration. On behalf of my colleagues at the Justice Department and across the federal government, I am eager to hear from you – to learn more about the challenges you face; to better understand your concerns; and to discuss the goals, responsibilities, and dreams that we share – as well as the future that we must build.

Of course, when it comes to improving conditions and empowering individuals in Indian Country, many of you are already serving on the front lines. And I know that several of the leaders in this room have been working to improve lives and conditions in tribal communities for decades.

Day after day, you are bringing tribal justice issues to light, demanding that these issues be at the forefront of national-level discussions, and reinforcing essential government-to-government partnerships. You have raised awareness about the unique public safety challenges facing tribal communities – and the startling and wholly unacceptable rates of violence against American Indian women and girls. And you have reminded tribal, local, state, and federal leaders that we must never overlook the critical needs of victims – and the most vulnerable members of our society."

Get the Story:
Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (DOJ 7/28)
Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Joint Native American Issues Subcommittee and Attorney General’s Advisory Committee Meeting (DOJ 7/27)

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