Activism Work
Memorial March to Honor Lost Children
In 2002, the first Memorial March took place when Frank LaMere and Judy Yellowbank came together in mourning, resistance, and love. Ever since then, there has been a gathering in remembrance to honor the lives of Native Children who were taken from their families and communities through the foster care and adoption systems.
Click here for official website for more information of their vision and statistics.
Sioux City Protest
In 1993, professional baseball returned to Sioux City, Iowa. The owners of the new team initially considered the name of Iowa’s former professional baseball team, the Sioux City Soos. The community however, felt the name was disrespectful. Frank LaMere led more than 10,0000 Sioux, Winnebago, and Omaha people in protest of the name. Their efforts were successful, with the owners changing the team’s name to the Sioux City Explorers.
Democratic Party Work:
Frank LaMere served as the longest Native American member of the Democratic National Committee. Examples of his work include the establishment of the Nebraska Native Caucus and founding of the National Native Caucus of the Democratic party.
Siouxland Street Project:
LaMere was also involved with the Siouxland Street Project Detox Committee in Sioux City that is tackling the need for drug treatment and halfway house availability for Native and non-Native men and women on the streets of Sioux City. LaMere states that he would like to see a treatment center built for Native people. In 2017, more than 1,200 people were admitted to Sioux City hospitals needing detox services. The mission statement of the Street Project is to promote safe, decent, affordable, and appropriate housing.