A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION honoring the life and service of Yvonne Jane "Tiny D" DeCory, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota.

WHEREAS, Yvonne Jane DeCory was born on June 10, 1952, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota; and

WHEREAS, Yvonne DeCory devoted her life to the Oyáte, tirelessly advocating for Lakota youth and helping them through grief, trauma, and other hardships; and

WHEREAS, Yvonne DeCory worked closely with schools, churches, community organizations, and tribal programs to help the young people she mentored overcome cultural, spiritual, and governmental challenges; and

WHEREAS, Yvonne DeCory’s life exemplified wówačhaŋtognake (generosity), wóohola (respect), and wówaunsila (compassion), and she consistently used her gifts of storytelling, song, and encouragement to pass on Lakota language, ceremony, and teachings; and

WHEREAS, Yvone DeCory never hesitated to offer her time, her home, her humor, and her strength to anyone who needed it;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the One Hundred First Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Yvonne Jane "Tiny D" DeCory's lifetime of service to Lakota youth, her resolve to prevent suicide and restore hope, and her enduring legacy of love, healing, and leadership for the Oyáte and the people of South Dakota serve as a shining example of a life well-lived.