Ben Reifel

Ben Reifel served Congress for ten years.

Biographical Directory of the US Congress

Quick Facts

Significance:

Politician, Sičháŋǧu Lakota, Administrator

Place of Birth:

Rosebud Indian Reservation, South Dakota

Date of Birth:

September 19, 1906

Place of Death:

Sioux Falls, SD

Date of Death:

January 2, 1990

Place of Burial:

Erwin, South Dakota

Cemetery Name:

Erwin Cementary

Speaking to the significance of Native American Day, former governor of South Dakota George Mickelson stated that, "this gives an opportunity to pause for a moment to honor all the great leaders of the Sioux Nation: Sitting Bull, Ben Reifel and other great Sioux chiefs and leaders whose really last ray of hope to return to their former way life was taken away from them."

Ben Reifel was Sičháŋǧu Lakota administrator and politician. He served in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and as the first Lakota elected to Congress (1961 - 1971). He was also a veteran, having served the rank of Lt. Col. in the Army. He earned 3 Honorary Doctorates from South Dakota state University, University of South Dakota, and Northern State College. 

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center was named after him as part of South Dakota's "Year of Reconciliation," which included the renaming of Columbus Day as Native American Day.