Tester on Little Bighorn anniversary: ‘We had to learn to live together in peace’

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester, Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in recognition of the 138th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn and today’s rededication of the Little Bighorn Battlefield Indian Memorial in Crow Agency, Montana:

“The Battle of Little Bighorn showed that Native Americans could not be vanquished from the country that was originally theirs. For the United States to be whole, we had to learn to live together in peace. Today – 138 years later – this memorial serves as a reminder that this country must live up to its trust responsibility.

The government demonstrates its commitment to tribes by properly funding health, education, housing, law enforcement and economic development programs that help build and sustain tribal sovereignty. And sometimes, as we’ve seen, the government falls short.

That’s why, as Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I’m committed to making sure the United States never forgets its responsibility to Native Americans. And I’m committed to making sure Montana’s tribes have a seat at the table when decisions are being made.

Together we can ensure that the Battle of the Little Bighorn and what it represents is never forgotten. Because America cannot succeed unless Indian Country succeeds.”