Task Force Members Say Ties Forged With Indians
BY NANCY HICKS
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
 

Lincoln - While it hasn't dented the problems associated with beer sales in Whiteclay, Neb., and alcoholism on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a task force set up two years ago by then Gov. Ben Nelson has had some successes.

Active members of the Border Tiospaye, which means extended family, say the group of about 40 Indians and non-Indians has built important personal relationships and helped people who work in alcoholism treatment understand the differences between the native and non-native worlds.

The group has also put together some coordinated projects.

With a $10,000 one-year grant from the state's Health and Human Services agency, Border Tiospaye has offered workshops bringing together both Indians and whites to learn how to apply traditional Indian culture to modern living. That money runs out in December.

State money has been earmarked to hire and train four American Indian health outreach workers who will help Indian families in the Panhandle area in many ways, from locating services to improving parenting skills or budgeting.

Federal dollars, funneled through Nebraska state government, will be used to train Nebraska and South Dakota counselors who work with people with alcohol addiction problems.

The State Patrol has offered to cross-train and cross-deputize tribal officers from the Pine Ridge Reservation, so that they can help with law enforcement issues in Whiteclay. The Oglala Tribe has not said yet whether it will accept.

Lt. Col Mike Behm of the Nebraska State Patrol said the relationships developed through the task force were an asset over the past two weekends as troopers, tribal police and tribal leaders worked together to minimize problems.