September 17, 2024
National Voter Registration Day Press Release.

September 18, 2024
South Dakota Public Broadcasting (radio & print) “He Sapa Voters Project Registering Native Peoples for the Election,” CJ Keene

September 19, 2024
Rapid City Journal, “New Initiative Aims to Increase Native Voters in South Dakota,” Amelia Schafer

September 21, 2024
Featured on KOTA-TV regarding new voter registration effort.

September 21, 2024
Featured in Native Sun News regarding National Voter Registration Day & new state wide effort.

September 26, 2024
Indian Country Today, “New Initiative Aims to Increase Native Voters in South Dakota,” Amelia Schafer

PRESS STATEMENT 10/29/2024 

Native Vote Town Hall in Rapid City Friday Night, November 1 6pm-8pm 

[Rapid City, SD] – The COUP Council, with support of the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board and Native Vote South Dakota, is pleased to announce the upcoming Native Vote Town Hall, a Tribal Candidate Forum for the 2024 South Dakota tribal, state, and national elections. This event is a unique opportunity for candidates and public officials to engage directly with the Native American community, addressing key issues and sharing their platforms, priorities, and vision.

Event Details:

• Event: Native Vote Town Hall

• Date: Friday, November 1st

• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Location: Oaye Luta Okolakiciye, 937 E. North Street, Rapid City, SD

The Native Vote Town Hall aims to foster meaningful discussions on critical topics that affect Native Americans in Rapid City and surrounding areas. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with candidates, participate in structured Q&A sessions, and address their concerns in open discussions. This forum offers a vital platform for voters to learn about the candidates’ positions on issues impacting tribal communities, both within Rapid City and across the Great Plains. 

"The COUP Council is honored to host this event to empower Native voters and count coup on the system. We believe this forum will help voters and our leaders to make informed decisions that will shape the future of our communities," said Natalie Stites Means, Executive Director of COUP Council. 

The Native Vote Town Hall promises an evening of constructive dialogue and community connection as we work to strengthen our voices and address the needs of the Great Plains Tribal Nations. Everyone is welcome.

Candidates, elected officials and community members are encouraged to confirm their participation by reaching out to info@hesapavoters.org. He Sapa Voters is the civic engagement project of the COUP Council. Phone calls are welcome at (605) 519-8112. 

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