PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota will ramp up investigations for missing and murdered indigenous people
Attorney General Mark Vargo is prepared to hire a law enforcement officer to coordinate investigations into the disappearance and murder of Indigenous people.
Vargo’s office said in a statement he met with Indigenous leaders after a gathering that included a song from Rapid City’s Wambli Ska Society and a smudging ceremony.
Tribal members are disproportionately represented in the state’s missing persons database.
Vargo plans to hire someone for the position in the coming months.