Red Cloud Students Host Tribal Presidential Debates

posted October 29, 2014

On Wednesday night at 7:00, Shenique Milton, Red Cloud's student activities director, welcomed community members, students and staff to Cuny Commons in Red Cloud High School for the 2014 Tribal Presidential Debates. The event has long been held as an opportunity for students to participate in the future of their community, and a time for presidential candidates to show their support for the area's youth.
 
Milton noted that the event was important for people at different levels. For her, a volunteer at the school, she learned more about tribal issues, government and how projects are run on the reservation. For community members, it was an opportunity to build a more informed decision while watching their children take on a sense of ownership in and responsibility for their future.
 
"Parents enjoyed their children participating in the debate," said Milton. "I remember seeing the smile on parents faces when their children had rebuttal questions for the candidates. I was also impressed with many of the students for putting the time in after the school day. There were a number of Red Cloud sporting events that evening that they could have attended, but many choose to honor their commitment to the Pine Ridge community."
 
Current Oglala Sioux Tribe President, Bryan Brewer was in attendance as well as John Yellow Bird Steel and Tom Poor Bear. The attendants had opportunities to discuss and respond to questions from students about Lakota language preservation, healthcare and disease, government efficiency and the possibility of renaming of Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak.

Red Cloud wants to thank all the candidates, community members, staff and students who made this event a possibility.