South Dakota House Bill HB1170

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/22
• Refer: 1/27/22
• Report Pass: 2/2/22

Caption

Incorporate the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings in the social studies curriculum.

Impact

If enacted, HB1170 would amend Section 13-1-51 of South Dakota's education laws, mandating the Board of Education Standards to develop rules that integrate the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings into the state’s curriculum. This integration aims to provide students with opportunities to focus on the heritage and contributions of these tribes, thereby promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity among students and educators. The legislation emphasizes the importance of consulting the South Dakota Indian education advisory council to ensure that the curriculum reflects accurate historical and cultural perspectives.

Summary

House Bill 1170 is a legislative proposal aimed at incorporating the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings into the social studies curriculum for elementary and secondary education in South Dakota. This bill recognizes the significance of the Oceti Sakowin, which refers to the Great Sioux Nation, consisting of the nine federally recognized tribes in the state. The intention behind the bill is to enhance the educational framework by ensuring that students receive a comprehensive understanding of the history and culture relevant to American Indian communities in South Dakota.

Contention

While proponents of HB1170 argue that the bill will foster inclusion and respect for Indigenous cultures, some opponents may express concerns over the implementation logistics or potential pushback from communities that disagree on how to represent Native histories in educational settings. Discussions around the bill reveal varying perspectives on the state's responsibility to acknowledge and incorporate native cultures into public education, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about cultural representation and reconciliation in South Dakota education policy.