Governor Kristi Noem Faces Ban from Seventh Reservation in South Dakota

Governor Kristi Noem Faces Ban from Seventh Reservation in South Dakota

Governor Kristi Noem has been banned from the reservation of a seventh Native American tribe in South Dakota due to remarks she made earlier this year suggesting that drug traffickers profit from tribal leaders.

The central South Dakota Crow Creek Sioux Tribe acknowledged on Tuesday that it had voted unanimously to forbid the Republican governor.

Peter Lengkeek, the chief of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, declared after Tuesday’s vote, “We do not have cartels on the reservations.”

“We have cartel products, like guns and drugs. But they pass over state highways getting to the reservation,” Lengkeek stated. “So, putting us all together like that and saying that all tribes are involved in this really shows … the ignorance of the governor’s office.”

Out of nine tribes, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is the eighth to forbid the governor from entering their reservations, which make up 20% of South Dakota’s total area.

The tribe now comprises the Oglala, Rosebud, Standing Rock, Cheyenne River, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, and Yankton Sioux tribes in addition to the former.

“When the state and tribe respect each other, both our flags can fly high. The tribes are not cartel havens and our people are not the gangs that threaten your communities,” Yankton Sioux Tribe council member Ryan Cournoyer stated. “Our parents want a better future for their children. Our leaders seek economic growth and hope.”

Though they announced on Tuesday that they are reevaluating, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe chose last month not to prohibit Noem from their land.

“There’s a lot of unfortunate things that are said that are hurtful to our people — especially our children,” Lower Brule Sioux Tribe chairman Clyde Estes stated.

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Regarding the most recent tribe to ban Noem, who reiterated her allegations and extended an offer of support early this month, the governor’s administration has not responded.

“Tribal leaders should take action to ban the cartels from their lands and accept my offer to help them restore law and order to their communities while protecting their sovereignty,” Noem stated on X. “We can only do this through partnerships because the Biden administration is failing to do their job.”

Republican Party officials in Jefferson County, Colorado, called off a fundraiser for Noem earlier this month after claiming to have received death threats. Noem has been mentioned as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump.

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.