Mike's Legacy

Michael B. Jandreau, the visionary leader of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in South Dakota for almost 40 years, passed away last month at the age of 71. Known to all as “Mike” he believed that Indian Tribes had to establish a private sector economy on the Reservations if they were to participate in the American dream. The historic treaties of the 1800's between Tribes and the United States, while still very important, were not enough to prepare Indian people for the 21st century. For rural Tribes that means a focus on agriculture.

Jandreau testified before Congress and the South Dakota Legislature many times in support of Tribal sovereignty but he also believed that the treaties were not a business plan. The Tribes needed to develop a private sector economy to benefit all Tribal members. In 2004 he made history as a Tribal Chairman by telling the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs: “Sovereignty is the key to tribal existence. But, in the long run, for sovereignty to survive there must be economic sovereignty as well. We must develop a private sector economy”

http://www.agri-pulse.com/Marshall-Matz-Mikes-Legacy-04292015.asp