John Yellow Bird Steele, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST) signed a proclamation declaring June 2011 National Homeownership Month.  The signing event took place in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, earlier this month with Partnership for Housing and USDA Rural Development on site for the ceremony.

“USDA Rural Development is actively engaged with assisting the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in increasing homeownership opportunities in coordination with our public, private, and non-profit partners,” said Rural Development State Director Elsie M. Meeks.  “Homeownership often leads to economic improvements, a better sense of pride in yourself and of the community.”

Homeownership in Indian Country: Pictured in the attached from left to right is Emma “ Pinky” Iron Plume-Clifford, Executive Director for Oglala Sioux Tribe Partnership for Housing and USDA Rural Development Specialist Ruth O’Neill.

During this 2011 National Homeownership Month, the Oglala Sioux Tribe fully concurs with the National Homeownership Strategy and the National Partners involved with homeownership, including USDA Rural Development.

In Fiscal Year 2010, South Dakota Rural Development programs helped 1,456 families obtain homes or preserve homeownership through making essential repairs that helped them to remain in their homes last year.

To find out more about USDA homeownership programs, click here.