Reaction mixed to Native American Day SIOUX FALLS (AP) A proposed Native American Day honoring Indian contributions to the state's heritage will help South Dakota shed its image as "the Mississippi of the North," an Indian publisher said Monday. But a former state senator said a symbolic observance didn't go far to enough toward correcting the under- the lying problems that foster such an image. South Dakota Republican leaders on Friday announced their support for two new state holidays: Native American Day and Martin Luther King Day, marking the birthday of the slain civil rights leader. "A day is fine, but it doesn't really improve the condition of Indian people," said Thomas Shortbull of Rapid City, one of the few Indians to have served in the Legislature. Shortbull, a Democrat who served from 1982-88, said he would prefer to see the restoration of an Indian scholarship program, economic development on the reservations and other specific measures. "Other than just words, we need some concrete action as for how we're going to improve the condition of Indian people," he said. * Shortbull said the scholarship program was particularly important because many Indian students were falling through the cracks for federal aid. Lakota Times Pubisher Tim Giago praised the proposal to observe a Native American Day in South Dakota, saying it indicates a willingness to improve Indian-white relations in the state. Giago said he was not concerned that Native American Day would be observed on the second Monday in October, now designated as Pioneers Day in South Dakota and as Columbus Day across most of the nation. Columbus has been decried by some Indians as a perpetrator of genocide against native peoples. "To replace Pioneer Day and make it Native American Day, why not?" he asked. "Most Indians on the reservation don't celebrate Columbus Day, anyhow." Wednesday Evening Specials man Now 342- Serving 3900 Lunches CHOICE PRIME RIB Au Jus, 12-14 oz. Served with choice of potato, soup, salad and fresh baked rolls and butter, coffee. (Reservations requested) $9.95 CATTLEMAN'S CUT, 18-20 oz. These are the original prices from April, 1982, the year the Fireside Inn burned to the ground. It is our way of saying "Thank You" to all of our friends and customers. $11.50 The Fireside Inn Hours: 11 a.m. Daily • Dinner 5-10 p.m. • Sunday 3.9 p.m. (Located 6kniles from the Fish Hatchery on West Hwy. 44)
