The enrollment version added six additional House representatives (Emery, Gosch, Moore, Muckey, Novstrup, and Shorma) and three senators (Foster, Duhamel, and Perry) as co-sponsors, expanding legislative support for this commemoration of Cecelia Fire Thunder. This change broadens the bill's backing without altering its substance or purpose.
26.1042.11 101st Legislative Session HC8022 2026 South Dakota Legislature House Commemoration 8022 Introduced by: Representative Pourier Underscores indicate new language. Overstrikes indicate deleted language. Representatives Pourier, Emery, Gosch, Moore, Muckey, Novstrup, and Shorma and Senators Foster, Duhamel, and Perry A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION recognizing the achievements, leadership, and 1 lifelong public service of Cecelia Fire Thunder. 2 WHEREAS, Cecelia Fire Thunder has devoted her life to advocacy, education, and 3 leadership within her Oglala Lakota community, blazing a trail for Indigenous women in 4 governance and public health; and 5 WHEREAS, in 2004, Cecelia Fire Thunder became the first woman elected to serve as 6 president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, setting a new milestone for women’s leadership in tribal 7 government; and 8 WHEREAS, throughout her career, Cecelia Fire Thunder has been an unwavering advocate 9 for the self-determination, health, and wellbeing of Native peoples, notably as a registered 10 nurse, health educator, and community organizer; and 11 WHEREAS, Cecelia Fire Thunder continues to inspire emerging leaders by demonstrating 12 courage, integrity, and commitment to building bridges between tribal nations and this state; 13 and 14 WHEREAS, her vision and advocacy embody the Lakota value of woohitika, or strength 15 and bravery in service to one’s people; 16 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the One Hundred First Legislature of the 17 State of South Dakota, that Cecelia Fire Thunder deserves honor and recognition for her 18 historic accomplishments, her lifelong advocacy for indigenous rights and women’s 19 empowerment, and her enduring contributions to public service within this state and Indian 20 country. 21