Senate Commemoration 809
Introduced by: Senators Foster, Duhamel, Perry, and Schoenfish and Representatives Emery, Ismay, Muckey,
Pourier, and Uhre-Balk
A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Honoring Bryan Brewer, Sr., for his visionary
leadership, transformative impact, and unwavering dedication to advancing
athletics, academics, and community empowerment.
WHEREAS, Bryan Brewer, Sr., was born in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, on February 4, 1947,
the son of Vincent and Alvina Brewer, and is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe;
and
WHEREAS, Bryan’s Lakota name, Ohiyaku, means, "returns victoriously", which has come
to symbolize his life of service, triumph, and leadership; and
WHEREAS, Bryan served his country honorably as a United States Navy Seabee during
the Vietnam War, completing two tours and earning recognition as a combat veteran; and
WHEREAS, Bryan is the proud father of four children and grandfather to four grandchildren
and two great-grandchildren, who have all been influenced by his vision and guidance; and
WHEREAS, Bryan graduated from Black Hills State University in 1976 with a bachelor’s
degree in secondary education and dedicated thirty-three years to the education field as a
teacher, coach, principal, athletic director, and dean of students, serving at Pine Ridge and
Red Cloud High School, and at the Rocky Boy Tribal High School in Rocky Boy, Montana; and
WHEREAS, Bryan’s most significant contribution to the state of South Dakota was his
founding of the Lakota Nation Invitational, an event that has grown from a small basketball
tournament to a celebration of athletics, academics, fine arts, and culture for the last forty-
seven years; and
WHEREAS, the Lakota Nation Invitational has become one of the most prestigious events
in South Dakota, fostering racial reconciliation, uniting the Oceti Sakowin tribes, and honoring
military service men and women, while highlighting the talents of the state’s youth; and
WHEREAS, Bryan’s leadership in the Lakota Nation Invitational has led to recognition as
South Dakota’s premier event by Sports Illustrated magazine, and contributed to the
empowerment of youth for over four decades, creating a history of champions; and
WHEREAS, Bryan served as a member of the South Dakota High School Activities
Association Board of Directors from 2004 to 2009, becoming the first Native American to hold
the position, and advocating for Native American students and increasing awareness of their
unique challenges; and
WHEREAS, Bryan served as president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe from 2012 to 2016, in
which he earned recognition as an environmental advocate, opposing the Keystone XL
pipeline, and securing a permanent shutdown of liquor sales in White Clay, Nebraska; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, the South Dakota High School Coaches Association created the Spirit
of Influence Award to be given annually in honor of Bryan to recognize his enduring legacy of
leadership and positive influence on students; and
WHEREAS, Bryan was inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, a
recognition of his monumental contributions to the state's athletic, academic, and cultural
communities; and
WHEREAS, Bryan’s unparalleled dedication to improving education, empowering youth,
and expanding opportunities for future generations serves as an inspiring example of
leadership and selflessness for all South Dakotans;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the One Hundredth Legislature of the State
of South Dakota, that Bryan Brewer, Sr., has made a positive difference to his community,
his people, and the state of South Dakota, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations
to come.