Former US Senator James Abourezk dies at 92

James Abourezk, a former U.S. senator who served in the U.S. House of Representatives representing South Dakota, has died.

Charlie Abourezk, the former legislator's son, confirmed James passed away at home on Friday.

The family said Abourezk, who turned 92 on Friday, was released from a Sioux Falls hospital and was entered into the care of a hospice team, along with his wife Sanaa and family members, at his home on Wednesday.

As family members mourn Abourezk's passing, South Dakota political figures expressed their condolences and recognized the achievements of the long-lived senator.

South Dakota Democratic Party Chair Randy Seiler said in a statement Abourezk was a "true South Dakotan" whose talent and determination took him to the U.S. Senate and, along the way, fostered positive change for the state's tribal nations.

“Sen. Abourezk dedicated his life to serving others. That service led to a lasting legacy that continues to impact the lives of so many in South Dakota, across the country, and around the world. We are all fortunate he led such a long and impactful life, and his presence here in South Dakota will be sorely missed," Seiler said.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD, also expressed his appreciation for Abourezk's legacy and condolences for the family. In a statement to the Argus Leader, Rounds called Abourezk a "true public servant" who left his mark as Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs during his time in office.

Abourezk served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971 to 1973, representing the state's now-obsolete second congressional district, before it was eliminated in 1983.

Abourezk later shifted to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first U.S. senator of Lebanese descent, in 1973. He served until 1979 before retiring from politics. President Joe Biden, then a Delawarean senator during Abourezk's term, was a former seat mate.

Abourezk's major political accomplishments include writing and having successfully passed the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.

The Indian Child Welfare Act, a law passed in 1978 that gives tribal governments executive jurisdiction over adoption and custody of Native American children on reservations, is often considered one of his capstone achievements as a legislator.

Outside of drafting legislation, Abourezk was also involved in major political events. Alongside the late George McGovern, Abourezk traveled to Wounded Knee in 1973 to aid in negotiations between the U.S. Marshals and FBI agents and American Indian leaders.

More: Here's your non-exhaustive round-up of Crossover Day wins and losses in South Dakota

Then, in 1977, Abourezk and McGovern again teamed up to take a group of University of South Dakota and South Dakota State basketball players to Cuba to play the country's national team. He later went on to meet former President Fidel Castro.

Following his retirement, Abourezk continued to advocate for the act and served as a witness in some court cases based on his legislation.

Being the first U.S. Senator of Lebanese descent made Abourezk a maverick for Arab Americans. He continued to pave during his retirement by co-founding the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, a civil rights organization which advocates for Arab Americans.

He also wrote two books, "Advise and Dissent" and "Through Different Eyes." The former book revealed that the Office of Special Prosecutor, a position created after Watergate Scandal to investigate conflicts between a president and the attorney general, has ties to one of his staffers, according to past Argus Leader reporting.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Former US senator for South Dakota James Abourezk dies at 92