Tribal election candidates talk jobs, economic development - KOTA Territory News

Tribal election candidates talk jobs, economic development

A tight primary race for Pine Ridge's Tribal President makes for a highly anticipated November election.

After holding office for six terms, incumbent President John Yellow Bird Steele came in second to former educator Bryan Brewer.

Both candidates battling for the title of Oglala Sioux Tribal President understands that if elected, there are great challenges ahead of them.
 
"We need housing and jobs," said Yellow Bird Steele.
 
Yellow Bird Steel says he's been hard at work the past six years, bringing changes to Pine Ridge, often from Washington.
 
"I'm working on a settlement with U.S. government on the historic accounting errors the Bureau of Indian Affairs has done with tribal monies and property," said Yellow Bird Steele.
 
Challenger Bryan Brewer says he hopes to be a more accessible president, addressing the immediate needs of the people.
 
"I've been involved with education all my life, an administrator. I've run the Lakota Nation Invitational for 35 years now. I've demonstrated I can work with people in a good way," said Brewer.
 
Yellow Bird Steele says a proposed tribal national park he's been working on will eventually bring jobs to the reservation, while Brewer sees a simpler solution.
 
"There's so many construction jobs that have to be done here and we're hoping to employ more of our people through there. We need to open doors for entrepreneurs and industries to come in," said Brewer.
 
Brewer attributes his win in the primaries to the need for change that he says voters are asking for.
 
"Our government has been accused of not meeting their needs, promoting themselves. A million dollars a year spent on travel for our council and district. When you're in one of our districts and you're not having your needs met, its upsetting. People see those things, those are things we'd like to change," said Brewer.
 
Yellow Bird Steele says he's not only provided more money to the districts, but new vehicles and computers. He says his connections ultimately make him the better candidate.
 
"I'm the only one. I'm more experienced, more knowledgeable about the problems facing our tribes and I have the solutions. I think I can get things done on a faster basis," said Yellow Bird Steele. 

Come election day, a new tribal president, vice president and representatives for each of the nine districts will be decided.