Sens. Tim Johnson and John Thune agree that a resolution of apology to Native Americans approved Tuesday by the U.S. Senate is a valuable gesture from the federal government.

They also agree that it's not enough.

"The Native Americans deserve an apology, but they deserve much more than that," said Johnson during a conference call with reporters. "They deserve full funding for the treaty responsibilities that the federal government has taken on. And that includes health care, housing, education and jobs, especially."

The Native American Apology Resolution was approved as part of Department of Defense appropriations package late Tuesday. The resolution offers an apology from the United States government to Native Americans for actions by the government in the past. It does not authorize settlement of any claims against the government.

Thune said during his weekly conference call Wednesday that the resolution was a valuable symbol in acknowledging "the wrongs of the past." But Native Americans need more than meaningful symbols, Thune said.

"The real issue, I think, is what we are doing in terms of improving conditions on the reservations," the Republican said.

That work must focus on controlling crime, improving infrastructure and creating a safe and secure environment for education, business development and better health care, Thune said. More federal funding is needed to shore up the criminal justice system on reservations and improve health care and water systems, he said. Johnson agreed, and said he and colleagues on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee will be will soon be working on Native American health care legislation.

Discussions on making amends for past wrongs against Sioux tribes often lead to debate over the continuing push by many tribal leaders and elders for the return of at least some land in the Black Hills. Most continue to reject a monetary award granted by the U.S. Supreme Court over the wrongful taking of the land. And they hope that President Barack Obama will be receptive to re-opening the issue.

However, neither Thune nor Johnson is interested in supporting that issue at this point. The tribes and various Native groups interested in the land settlement haven't yet reached a consensus, Thune said. It makes more sense to focus attention and resources on ways to improve conditions for Native Americans rather than getting caught up in the Black Hills dispute, he said.

"That issue was settled by the courts a long time ago," Thune said. "It's certainly not something I anticipate being engaged in trying to reopen. I think we need to focus on the things that really do, in a tangible way, improve the quality of lives of people on the reservation."

Johnson also pointed out there isn't a consensus among tribal people on the Black Hills issue. But there is a consensus that improvements must be made in health care, housing, economic development and other issues for the good of Native people, he said.

"While I understand the importance of the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation," Johnson said, "I will continue to concentrate on issues that affect the quality of life in Indian Country."

Contact Kevin Woster at 394-8413 or kevin.woster@rapidcityjournal.com