Indianz.Com > News > Harold Frazier: South Dakota forbids truth and freedom in our classrooms
Chairman Frazier statement on South Dakota Governor executive order
Thursday, April 7, 2022
EAGLE BUTTE, South Dakota — On April 5, 2022, the Governor of the state of South Dakota has made it clear that the United States is not responsible for any of its actions. In true dictator fashion she is forbidding the educators of our children to hear, speak or discuss critical issues that would enable our future generations to solve the problems in which we have failed.
I condemn the recent executive order issued by the Governor of South Dakota for all the polished ugliness that it represents. I can go on being critical of the statement but I would like to tell you what it means for us. The style of leadership which dictates thought and restricts educators from encouraging critical thinking is not the leadership my people deserve.
This executive order [PDF] is divisive and contributes to the very political indoctrination that it professes to prevent. Under the cover of great virtue, the Governor is promoting a great evil by dictating the thoughts of our teachers and children.
This may earn her the title of champion to those who believe that the people are not responsible for their nation but as we have seen on the other side of the world when the people can claim ignorance of their governments actions, the government can attack other countries and commit atrocities. We must be critical of our leadership and own our governments as that is the everyday work of democracy.
Any law or order meant to restrict our freedom to teach and learn is a restriction on freedom.
This executive order tells every minority in the state of South Dakota that you do not care what you have done, what you are doing or what you will continue to do.
The truth must be taught and told.Hecetu elo.
Harold Frazier is serving his second consecutive term as chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, an Indian nation based in South Dakota. He also serves as president of the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association. He previously served as chair and vice chair of his tribe and as an area vice president for the National Congress of American Indians. His Lakota name is Ta Hunska Luta (His Red Leggings).
Search
Filed Under
Tags
More Headlines
Native America Calling: Successful strategies to reduce bullying
KUNC: Gila River Indian Community charts own course when it comes to water supply
AUDIO: Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe / Becerra v. Northern Arapaho Tribe
Chuck Hoskin: Cherokee Nation fights for clean water in Oklahoma
NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week
Native America Calling: Remembering Seward from the Alaska Native perspective
Native America Calling: The Exxon Valdez oil spill
Native America Calling: Western tribes weigh in on Colorado River water sharing
Native America Calling: Native hoops highlights
Native America Calling: Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa
Cronkite News: Congress takes up ban on popular TikTok app
NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week
Chuck Hoskin: Cherokee Nation focuses on needs of our children
Native America Calling: Native liver disease and transplants
Joint Statement: Organizations demand support for our youth
More Headlines
KUNC: Gila River Indian Community charts own course when it comes to water supply
AUDIO: Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe / Becerra v. Northern Arapaho Tribe
Chuck Hoskin: Cherokee Nation fights for clean water in Oklahoma
NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week
Native America Calling: Remembering Seward from the Alaska Native perspective
Native America Calling: The Exxon Valdez oil spill
Native America Calling: Western tribes weigh in on Colorado River water sharing
Native America Calling: Native hoops highlights
Native America Calling: Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa
Cronkite News: Congress takes up ban on popular TikTok app
NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week
Chuck Hoskin: Cherokee Nation focuses on needs of our children
Native America Calling: Native liver disease and transplants
Joint Statement: Organizations demand support for our youth
More Headlines