Garriott named to Obama transition team

WASHINGTON - Wizipan Garriott of the Rosebud reservation was recently appointed to president-elect Barack Obama's transition team after being involved in the election campaign with the First American voting drive.

Enrolled with the Rosebud Sioux tribe, Garriott previously worked with Sen. Tom Daschle after graduating from Yale University in 2003.

He was heard on KINI FM radio in St. Francis this past summer as he delivered a public service announcement for the election campaign partly in Lakota and in English.

Daschle was recently appointed as head of the Health and Human Services department and many in Lakota country see that as beneficial as Daschle has been a strong advocate in Washington for Indian health care funding, veterans benefits, education and also wind energy.

Appointed as First Americans Public Liaison for the Obama transition team, Garriott's role will be to continue a government to government relationship with tribal nations as has been the practice under other administrations. Tribal nations will also seek to strengthen that relationship under the incoming administration and perhaps, reaffirm the 1868 and 1851 Ft. Laramie treaties.

Garriott is the son of Elizabeth Little Elk and Charlie Garriott and grew up in Grass Mountain community on the Rosebud reservation. Elizabeth is director of the RST child and family services.

Charlie is a reading teacher at Todd County High School and recently completed his Ph.D. studies.

Another Rosebud Sioux tribal member, Yvette Roubideaux a graduate of Harvard University will also be on the transition team and assist on health care issues as she joins several other Native professionals.