SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A bill establishing a truth and healing conciliation commission to deal with race relations was defeated in the House State Affairs Committee in Pierre today.
The measure was introduced by Representative Shawn Bordeaux, a Democrat from Mission.
Bordeaux highlighted the conditions that exist on and off the reservations for American Indians. He says the commission would aim to uncover and acknowledge the truth, to create opportunities to heal and learn from that truth, "and collaborate on best practices for moving forward."
Bordeaux said the commission would address historical trauma, mascots, rights to protest and assemble, boarding schools, foster children, pouring beer on students at sporting events and policing especially in Rapid City.
Bordeaux says on the reservation "we call South Dakota the Mississippi of the north." He says until there is a discussion of the good, the bad and the ugly of race relations he expects it will only get worse.
Representative Larry Rhoden say until "we recognize that we need to change the culture and the conversation as far as what it will take to resolves the issues on the reservation, we will continue to do this year after year."
Bordeaux was the only only proponent speaking for the measure and no one spoke against it. The committee spent a half hour on the bill and unanimously sent it to the 41st days.