A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION celebrating the life and service of Barbara Dull Knife.

WHEREAS, Barbara Dull Knife, whose Lakota name, Mah’piya Keyaké Wiŋ, means Cloud Shield Woman, is known for her service, generosity, and quiet strength, serving for seventeen years as a child welfare advocate and victim witness advocate with the United States Attorney’s Office in Rapid City; and

WHEREAS, in retirement, Barbara Dull Knife returned home and founded Wakanyeja Gluwitayan Otipi, Gathering Our Children Home, the only emergency safe house for children up to twelve years old on the Pine Ridge Reservation; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Dull Knife served two terms as an Oglala District Council member on the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council, and served as the elected treasurer for the Oglala District from 2020 to 2022; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Dull Knife was a founding board member of Taku Škaŋ Škaŋ Wasakliyapi: Global Institute for Traditional Sciences; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Dull Knife is recognized as an elder knowledge keeper and cultural teacher, advising on protocols for ceremonies, ancestral teachings, and the Lakota value of wawoptetusni, or steadfast strength and courage in defense of children and community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the One Hundred First Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Barbara Dull Knife is an outstanding example of service, compassion, spiritual leadership, and commitment to Lakota children and others whose lives she has touched.