A free press is crucial in a time of misinformation

RAPID CITY – Each November, as the United States observes Native American Heritage Month, we’re reminded of the persistent efforts that brought this recognition to fruition. The path to establishing this month-long celebration was neither short nor easy, spanning several generations of advocacy by Indigenous peoples and their supporters.

As we conclude this month, it’s appropriate to reflect on the enduring impact of Tim Giago, the esteemed Oglala Lakota journalist and publisher who passed in 2022. In 2009, Giago founded Native Sun News Today, his final newspaper venture. However, his most significant contribution to journalism lies in how he successfully established an authentic Native American voice and perspective within mainstream media. Giago’s work paved the way for Native voices to be heard and respected in the broader journalistic landscape, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence and inspire Native American journalism today.

The concept of honoring Native American heritage at a national level began as a small seed in the early 1900s. What started as a push for a single day of recognition gradually evolved into a more comprehensive observance. This transformation reflects the broader struggle for Indigenous rights and representation in American society. From its humble beginnings to its official designation in 1990, the story of Native American Heritage Month is one of determination, cultural pride, and the power of collective action.

Tim Giago’s influence extends beyond journalism. He played a crucial role in the recognition of Native American heritage. In a bold move that faced significant resistance, Giago advocated for change at the highest levels of state government. He approached Governor George Mickelson with a proposal to declare a Year of Reconciliation and to replace Columbus Day with Native American Day in South Dakota. Despite years of opposition to such changes, Giago’s persistence paid off.

His efforts not only led to the establishment of Native American Day in South Dakota but also contributed to the broader national conversation about honoring Indigenous peoples’ contributions and history. This achievement underscores Giago’s commitment to promoting understanding and respect for Native American culture, aligning closely with the spirit of Native American Heritage Month.

Giago was the first regular American Indian voice in a South Dakota newspaper when he began writing for the Rapid City Journal in 1979. “During the time I worked at the Rapid City Journal, I think some of the columns I have written have helped race relations in a tangible way,” said Giago in a 1990 interview with South Dakota Public Broadcasting on their series “The Voice of the Individual”.

Giago shared that overcoming the emotional scars from the boarding school experience, including the racism, bigotry, and betrayals faced there, has been a challenging journey. “I think at one time I may have felt that there was so much bigotry and racism in South Dakota that it could never be surmounted. But over the years, traveling across the state speaking at different colleges and universities, at different gatherings with a lot of non-Indian people, I have had so many of them come up and talk about the problems and wonder how they can be solved.”

Giago has remained steady in his unvarnished approach to communicating the truth and reality of racism which has required a direct approach. “I have tried my very best to be very blunt in some of the editorials I write. If you don’t cut right to the heart of the matter, if you’re going to pussy foot around and not go right down to the nitty gritty, you’re not going to really make an impression. You’re not going to make people think. So sometimes I like to play devil’s advocate in my editorials and column because I have got to make people stop and say, yes there is something wrong here, there is something we need to do to bring about change in this state.”

But his advocacy and unflinching honesty to tell the truth through the free press, a right many have fought and died for, comes with danger, even today. “It’s hazardous sometimes,” said Giago. “I’ve received some threats on my life. You let it wash off your back. You learn to be a little thick-skinned because if you’re going to do anything that is going to be in the public eye, you’re going to attract those angry people. But for every one that approaches you in anger, there are 10 that are saying keep up the good work. It’s those people that you really stretch yourself for and put out more of an effort for.”

Despite these risks, many people continue to speak out because they believe in the importance of dismantling racist systems and creating a more equitable society. The courage of civil rights leaders throughout history, who faced even greater dangers, often inspires current activists to persevere.

Giago’s wife Jackie Giago, who as publisher of Native Sun News Today works very hard to keep his legacy alive, said that Tim has “fought the fight all the way through” as she remembered a time when Tim wanted to report on bank fraud and reservations. “He thought that journalism was the way to go to keep the people informed about fraud in their communities. He wasn’t afraid to go up against anybody to say ‘this is wrong.’ ”

She said Giago also had a journalist’s strong intuition. “It was like he had a mirror, like he knew it was going to happen, and he would write about it before it happened.”

Giago belongs to a distinguished class of Native Americans who advocated throughout the last half of the twentieth century for treaty rights, tribal sovereignty and the termination of governmental practices that held Native communities on the fringes of society, building upon the successful advocacy of those that came before them.

As we close Native American Heritage Month 2024, we are reminded of the rich cultural tapestry that Native Americans have woven into the fabric of our nation and our state. This observance not only honors the diverse traditions and contributions of Native Americans but also underscores the ongoing need for truthful representation and accurate historical narratives.

In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, the role of a free and independent press becomes even more crucial. Journalists and media outlets committed to telling the authentic stories of Native communities play a vital role in preserving heritage, challenging stereotypes, and promoting understanding. Despite increasing challenges to press freedom, these dedicated individuals continue to shed light on both the triumphs and struggles of Native Americans, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their experiences are acknowledged.

As we move forward, let us support and champion these efforts to maintain a well-informed society that respects and celebrates the enduring legacy of Native American cultures.

(Contact Marnie Cook marniecook8715@gmail.com)

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