Governor Kristi Noem, in coordination with the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, has proclaimed May as “National Military Appreciation Month,” a time for all to honor, remember, recognize, and appreciate those who have served in the past and those now serving, as well as their families. “The vigilance of the members of the Armed Forces has been instrumental to the preservation of freedom, security, and prosperity enjoyed by the people of this great nation,” Governor Noem said in her proclamation. “Our Armed Forces depend on the dedicated service of its members and their families.” Today there are an estimated 140,000 native American veterans living in the U.S.
Representatives from the Kalispel Tribe and the casino paid tribute to the 134 total missing Indigenous people across Washington state with a ceremony in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition. “This is something that really touches so many people in our community,” Kyndra Gamache, director of organizational development at the casino, said to the small gathering. “This year we’re up to 72 dresses – the red dress has become a symbol representing native American women who have been reported missing and/or murdered. Last year it was 60.” This year marked the second year in a row that the casino is using its platform to raise awareness of the issue, Gamache said.
Those are your headlines at this hour. I’m Colette Keith in the KIPI News center