Heitkamp working to create Commission on Native Children; South Dakota delegation mum on racism

Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) talked with Indian Country Today about legislation that would create a national Commission on Native Children to conduct an intensive study into issues facing Native youth.

The president has been an ally on this and I know how passionately he feels coming to Standing Rock, having spent time with him and then watching as he did the Native American leader Summit and the impact talking to the kids at Standing Rock had on he and Michelle. We have no better ally. This is a president who really gets it and we want to have his legacy be 'changes that actually result in improvement for Native American kids. [Heitkamp, interview with Indian Country Today Media]

How the stories of Native American youths made Obama cry in the Oval Office http://t.co/7TK8gvZbnm
— ChloeThePug☕☕ (@MissChloethePug) February 9, 2015

.@HarvardNAP, keep ur eye out 4 SaNoah LeRocque next yr-a motivated #NativeYouth from ND.Read her story via @gfherald http://t.co/tjPfCzn6T4
— Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (@SenatorHeitkamp) February 9, 2015

Native Sun News: Oil flares lighting up North Dakota tribe's skies http://t.co/dG3eKvV9RE pic.twitter.com/8ZE3vrdNWG
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 9, 2015

My story on an alleged hate crime against Native American kids in SD coming up today on @npratc --> http://t.co/iXuF358hiS
— Charles Michael Ray (@CharlesSDPB) February 9, 2015

A full house at tonight's forum on race relations in Rapid City, SD. Story coming up on @SDPBNews tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/rOoC6FHeZP
— Charles Michael Ray (@CharlesSDPB) February 10, 2015

Montana Native American Leader: Expand #Medicaid, Native Life expectancy=20 years less than whites http://t.co/GR7wdBHo60 #mtleg
— Eric Whitney (@EricReporter) February 10, 2015