The flag of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Photo by Oglala Lakota Next Generation
A perfect opportunity for change
A note from the editor's desk
By Brandon Ecoffey
Lakota Country Times Editor
lakotacountrytimes.com For the last few election cycles I have worked with a team of writers to select the candidates that the we felt were appropriate to endorse on behalf of the paper. During the Democratic primary I endorsed Bernie Sanders, but when he failed to win the nomination, I opted to sit back and observe. What has intrigued me the most about this year's election is the way so many people from my generation have openly employed the use of social media to impact the Oglala Sioux Tribal elections. Our generation was the first to grasp the power of social media as it it came to fruition during our high school and college years. The people behind the Oglala Lakota Next Generation organization provided voters with an unprecedented level of access to candidates using Facebook's live feed to broadcast debates. It was the first time ever that our people watched tribal candidates debate live on their mobile devices in real time. For the most part, however, our generation of Oglala from the ages of 18-34 has been left out of tribal politics as the result of a law that prevents anyone under the age of 30 from sitting on the tribal council. This law has prevented our most energetic and often best educated citizens from having a say in the matters that impact them and their children. As a journalist I've acquired an ability to look at an issue from both sides and digest the reasoning behind certain arguments. Although,I may not agree with someone's reasoning, it is important that I at least understand how they had arrived at their final position on a matter. When I look at this law I'd imagine that those who passed it would claim that there is value in age and experience. It would also be safe to say that the incentive for a tribal council member to vote yes on this law would be to eliminate a large pool of political challengers.
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On the other hand one. Just recognize how absurd this law really is. For our people who do go out and earn a degree right out of high school, naturally the next step is to enter the workforce and to embark on a career. By the time these people reach the age of 30 the likelihood of them leaving a career to run for council is severely diminished. This leads to the creation of career long politicians because of the absence of term limits in our tribal constitution. With a new council seated it will be interesting to see if their will be any real change. Let's hope this council moves beyond the state of conservatism that has controlled our government for the last decade. (Brandon Ecoffey is the editor of LCT and an award winning journalist who was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and earned his education at Dartmouth College. He can be reached at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com) Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter and download the new Lakota Country Times app today.
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