June 26, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 108 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E841-E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING FRANK LaMERE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DEBRA A. HAALAND

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2019

  Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I recognize 
my dear friend and lifelong Native American activist, Frank LaMere. I 
want to join his family, the Nebraska community, and the national 
tribal community in celebrating him and his decades-long dedication to 
civil rights for all, particularly for Native Americans.
  An activist from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Mr. LaMere was a 
prominent grassroots leader always ready for action. He was the longest 
serving Native American member of the Democratic National Committee, 
serving from 1996 to 2006. He founded both the Nebraska Native American 
Caucus and the Native American Caucus of the Democratic National 
Committee. In Nebraska, he also served as the state's Democratic Party 
First Associate Chair. I am proud to have served alongside him in the 
Democratic National Committee, and I will always have fond memories of 
his leadership, his stories, perspective and empathetic spirit.
  Frank served as a tireless advocate for Native American rights, 
leaving behind a legacy of tremendous and significant change for the 
state of Nebraska. He had the gift of truly connecting with any 
individual and used his voice to lift and empower others. Mr. LaMere 
fought against the loss of Native children to the child welfare system 
and against the violence they faced in their foster homes. He was 
instrumental in ending border town beer sales in Whiteclay, Nebraska, 
eliminating decades of predatory sales that fueled alcohol-related 
issues on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Mr. LaMere advocated to 
ensure that Native Americans were always involved in the political 
process and were guaranteed a seat at every table. He will be greatly 
missed.

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