ABOUT

US Senator Byron Dorgan (ret.) had a prolific career in public service, serving at both the state and federal levels. During his time in office, Senator Dorgan was a tireless advocate for Native American issues. While serving as Vice Chairman in the 109th Congress and Chairman in the 110th and 111th Congresses for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Dorgan brought attention to the disparities existing in Indian Country. He successfully championed efforts to reauthorize and modernize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, authored the Tribal Law and Order Act, reauthorized the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, fought for increased funding for Indian Country programs, and much more. After leaving the Senate and choosing not to seek reelection, Senator Dorgan founded the Center for Native American Youth at The Aspen Institute to sustain focus on issues affecting young Native Americans.