Identifier

MA 9

Dates

1905-1990

Extent

23.05 linear feet [5 record boxes, 22 document cases, 2 card file boxes, 6 oversize boxes)

Abstract

The Ben Reifel Papers document the professional and public life of Ben Reifel, the first Lakota Sioux elected to the United States Congress, with particular emphasis on his service in federal Indian affairs, his congressional career, and his continued public service after leaving elected office. The collection includes correspondence, photographs, audiovisual recordings, memorabilia, scrapbooks, speeches, and writings that trace his work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, his legislative activities in the U.S. House of Representatives, and his involvement with national, state, and tribal organizations. Materials also reflect his military service, educational background, campaign activities, and long-standing engagement with civic and cultural institutions.

The collection documents Native American representation in federal government and policy making during the mid twentieth century. The papers provide primary source evidence of Reifel’s role in shaping legislation and administrative practices related to agriculture, education, civil rights, and economic development, particularly as they affected Native American communities in the Northern Plains. The collection also offers insight into South Dakota’s political history and the broader relationship between tribal nations and the federal government during a period of significant social and institutional change.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

This document is a descriptive inventory of the collection in the SDSU Archives and Special Collections. It contains:

  • An overview of the collection, including information about the person or organization and a brief description of the materials and subjects found within.
  • A detailed inventory listing, organized by boxes and folders.
  • Information on how to access the materials, including any restrictions or special conditions.

In most cases, the materials in the collections have not been digitized and are not available online. If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at:

Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Rights

In Copyright: This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copy-right Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, publicity, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permis-sions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.

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