By Isaac White

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s comments about tribal governments and their members have led to an uproar within the state’s Native American communities. During events in Mitchell and Winner on March 13, Noem made remarks that have been widely criticized by tribal leaders from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, and Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, prompting them to call for an official apology from the governor.

The crux of the controversy stems from Noem’s accusations directed at tribal council members for allegedly obstructing state efforts to assist Native American communities, failing the youth within their jurisdictions, and benefiting from operations conducted by drug cartels on tribal lands. These allegations, made without presenting concrete evidence, have been deemed by tribal leaders and community members as not only baseless but also harmful, perpetuating negative stereotypes and racial discrimination against Native people in South Dakota.

At the heart of Governor Noem’s assertions is a profoundly troubling portrayal of Native American families and governance. During the question-and-answer session following the signing of two new education bills, Noem painted a bleak picture of life on reservations, citing “Because they live with 80% to 90% unemployment, their kids don’t have any hope. They don’t have parents who show up and help them. They have a tribal council or a president who focuses on a political agenda more than they care about actually helping somebody’s life look better.” This narrative not only simplifies the complex socio-economic challenges faced by Native American communities but also unfairly shifts the blame onto the victims of systemic issues.

Further exacerbating tensions, Noem later doubled down on her accusations by alleging that Mexican cartels are operating on tribal lands in South Dakota, engaging in drug trafficking, as well as child and sex trafficking, affecting the rest of the Midwest. She insinuated that tribal leaders were complicit in these activities, a claim that has sparked outrage and demands for evidence to back such serious allegations.

In response to Noem’s comments, tribal leaders have been swift and vocal in their condemnation. Rosebud Sioux Tribe President Scott Herman explicitly accused Noem of igniting a “racially based and discriminatory narrative” against Native people. Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out refuted the governor’s allegations by highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve conditions on reservations, such as expanding broadband services and investing in infrastructure. “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,” said Star Comes Out, expressing a sentiment of betrayal and anger felt by many in his community.

The dispute sheds light on the longstanding and complex relationship between South Dakota’s state government and its Native American tribes. The tribes have long faced significant challenges, including high unemployment rates, inadequate education systems, and insufficient law enforcement resources. The governor cited statistics showing six of the 11 poorest counties in the United States are located in South Dakota, within regions that include parts of the Rosebud, Pine Ridge, Standing Rock, and Cheyenne River Reservations. These areas struggle with high rates of murder, suicide, drug offenses, robbery, rape, aggravated assault, burglary, and missing persons cases, according to tribal officials.

In the face of these challenges, tribal leaders have called for more supportive measures and cooperative law enforcement efforts rather than accusatory rhetoric. For years, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, for example, has been involved in a legal battle with the federal government to secure adequate public safety resources. Similarly, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe has taken proactive steps by establishing a citizen patrol force, which has led to a significant decrease in calls to dispatch and ambulance calls, demonstrating the community’s commitment to self-help and improvement.

In reporting from Indian Country Today and the Rapid City Journal, Governor Noem’s spokesperson, Ian Fury, defended the governor’s statements, challenging tribes to disprove her comments about drug cartels. Yet, this response seems to overlook the broader issue of mutual respect and collaboration that tribal leaders are seeking. In their view, addressing the socio-economic and safety issues plaguing their communities requires a partnership approach, not unilateral criticism or scapegoating.

Education remains a critical area of concern, as evidenced by the data from the South Dakota Board of Education, which shows that a significant proportion of Native students attending public school suffer from chronic absenteeism, and a third do not complete high school. These educational disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions and support to improve Native American student success, an objective Noem herself acknowledged, albeit in a context that some have criticized as blaming the victims.

The controversy surrounding Governor Noem’s comments underscores a deep divide between the state government and South Dakota’s Native American tribes, a divide that is reflective of historical tensions and current challenges. As the calls for an apology grow louder, the situation presents an opportunity for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between the state and tribal nations. Addressing the underlying issues – ranging from education and unemployment to economic development and public safety – requires a concerted effort grounded in mutual respect and a genuine willingness to listen and work together.

The recent controversy sparked by Governor Noem’s comments has highlighted the ongoing struggles and disparities faced by Native American communities in South Dakota. It has also brought to the forefront the urgent need for a more collaborative and respectful approach to addressing these challenges not only in South Dakota but across the U.S. Tribal leaders have made it clear that improving conditions on Tribal Territories goes beyond addressing symptoms; it requires tackling the root causes of these issues, including systemic discrimination, lack of adequate resources, and the need for meaningful economic opportunities.