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PINE RIDGE -- During an evening characterized as heated at times with accusations hurled by members of the audience, Pine Ridge Village Friday hosted a first time public forum featuring two opposing principals of the Black Hills issue.
Gerald Clifford, who leads the Black Hills Steering Committee, and Phil Stevens, a California businessman who leads several Sioux groups, presented their views on the Bradley bill and an alternative plan known commonly as Stevens amendment.
Both Clifford and Stevens were critical of one another for their stances, and Stevens was critical of tribal councils for not heeding the "will and human needs" of tribal members.
About 150 tribal members attended the forum sponsored by Pine Ridge Village, held at the Billy Mills Hall. Some tribal members attended from outlying districts and other reservations, including Rosebud Reservation.
At times the meeting became heated when tribal members in the audience-accused either Bradley bill supporters or Stevens' supporters of not knowing what the majority of tribal members wanted.
Both Stevens and Clifford agreed legislation sponsored by Sen. Larry Pressler, R.S.D., should be opposed. The bill calls for a referendum vote among the Sioux to determine whether the majority want money or land as compensation for the improper taking of the Hills by the U.S. government in 1877.
Pressler has said he would continue to oppose return of land to the Sioux if the majority voted for Hills' land.
Pressler's legislation also is opposed by the Open Hills Association, an organization formed by Sen. Tom Daschle. D.S.D., composed of Black Hills residents, aimed at opposing the Bradley bill.
Portions of the three-hour program Friday was carried live by KILI radio, a reservation based radio station.
Clifford accused Stevens of meddling in Indian affairs and not having congressional support. "We may not have a Bradley bill if we do not deal with problems created by this chief," Clifford said.
There is only one Bradley bill and no Stevens' amendment, he said. Stevens "has no standing in Congress" and is opposed by Sen. Bill Bradley D.N.J., who...