South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been formally banned from all tribal lands in the state by every tribal nation of South Dakota. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe joined eight other Oceti Sakowin tribes in banning the Republican governor following a meeting on Tuesday. The tribes took this action in response to Noem’s inflammatory statements suggesting that tribes are “personally benefiting” from Mexican drug cartels.
During a May 17 press conference, Noem accused tribal governments of flourishing from drug cartels on their lands and neglecting their youth. She questioned, “Why have they not banished the cartels? Why have they not banished the cartel affiliates? Why have they only focused their attention on me, who has offered them help, and not gone after those who are perpetuating violence?”
Oglala Sioux Tribe President and Chairman of the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association, Frank Star, criticized Noem for her comments, stating, “How dare the governor allege that Sioux Tribal Councils do not care about their communities or their children and, worse, that they are involved in nefarious activities.” He highlighted the efforts of tribal councils to improve their communities by bringing broadband services and investing in dams and infrastructure.
Attempts by tribal leaders to mend relations with the governor’s office were unsuccessful. The executive council subsequently voted to ban Noem, with a May 21 press release stating, “The Executive Committee calls on the governor to reconsider the effectiveness of the liaisons she has appointed and whether or not they truly have an understanding of the issues affecting tribal nations as well as their ability to foster a cooperative relationship between the Tribes and the State of South Dakota.”