Rounds Introduces Standing Rock Chairwoman at Senate Indian Affairs Committee Hearing
Janet Alkire testified before the committee on Wednesday afternoon
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced Janet Alkire, Chairwoman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, before her testimony in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA). The hearing, which examined U.S. Health and Human Services programs serving tribal members and communities, took place on Wednesday afternoon.
“Today, I am proud to introduce my friend, Chairwoman Janet Alkire of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe,” said Rounds.
“Chairwoman Alkire provides an important voice on several key tribal issues, including healthcare, public safety and economic development,” continued Rounds.
Read more about the hearing and view a full list of witnesses HERE. View a clip of Rounds’ full introduction HERE. A full transcript of Rounds’ remarks is below.
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Thank you, Chairman and Vice Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses as well for taking the time to attend today’s hearing and share your perspectives. Today, I am proud to introduce my friend, Chairwoman Janet Alkire of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
After retiring as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, Chairwoman Alkire returned home to serve the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. During this time, she oversaw the daily operations of tribal government programs while serving two terms as Executive Director. In 2021, Janet became the first woman ever elected by the people as Chairwoman of the Tribe.
Chairwoman Alkire provides an important voice on several key tribal issues, including healthcare, public safety and economic development.
In recognition of her leadership and advocacy, Chairwoman Alkire was named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year in 2025. Not bad. Congratulations! She continues to advocate for her people as a board member of the National Indian Health Board.
I want to again thank Chairwoman Alkire and all of the other witnesses for attending today’s hearing.
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