South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been barred from entering almost 20% of her state as two additional tribes have now banished her. This action comes in response to comments she made earlier this year regarding tribal leaders allegedly benefiting from drug cartels.
The ongoing tribal dispute has witnessed recent developments, which coincided with the criticism faced by Noem for recounting an incident involving a misbehaving hunting dog in her latest book. It remains uncertain how these controversies might influence her prospects of becoming Donald Trump’s running mate, as it is challenging to anticipate the former president’s actions.
The Yankton Sioux Tribe made the decision on Friday to prohibit Noem from entering their land in southeastern South Dakota. This follows a similar action taken by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Ovate tribe just days ago. Moreover, the Oglala, Rosebud, Cheyenne River, and Standing Rock Sioux tribes had already implemented measures to keep her off their reservations. However, it is worth noting that three other tribes have not yet taken any action to ban her.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem further deepened the divide between tribal communities and the rest of the state when she made a public statement in March, accusing tribal leaders of prioritizing drug cartels over the well-being of their own people, particularly children and the less fortunate.
During a forum, Governor Noem expressed her belief that certain tribal leaders are personally benefiting from the presence of cartels, which is why they consistently attack her. However, she remains committed to fighting for the people who actually live in these challenging circumstances. Every day, she receives calls and texts from individuals in Pine Ridge who plead for her assistance, expressing their fear and urging her to come and help them.
Noem’s spokesman did not respond to email questions about the bans when asked on Saturday. However, Noem has previously expressed her belief that despite her strained relationship with tribal leaders, many residents of the reservations still support her.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem took to social media on Thursday to address the issue at hand. In a post, she shared a link to a YouTube channel that focuses on law enforcement’s efforts to combat drug-related issues on reservations.
South Dakota Governor, Kristi Noem, has called on tribal leaders to take action against drug cartels operating on their lands. In an effort to restore law and order and protect tribal sovereignty, Noem has offered her assistance. She believes that partnerships are essential in addressing this issue, as she criticizes the Biden Administration for their alleged failure to fulfill their responsibilities in this regard.
In the past, the tribes have had conflicts with Noem, including instances such as the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock and the establishment of coronavirus checkpoints during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect reservation borders from non-essential visitors. It’s worth noting that in 2019, Noem faced a temporary ban from the Oglala Sioux reservation due to a protest dispute.
The relationship between Native Americans in the state and the government has been fraught with tension for many years. In 1890, a tragic event known as the Wounded Knee massacre took place, where soldiers shot and killed hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children. This act was a part of a larger campaign aimed at suppressing a religious practice called the Ghost Dance.
According to Cal Jillson, a political observer from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, the current tribal dispute has a unique aspect to it. He notes that Governor Noem seems to be actively fueling the conflict, which implies that she sees some political advantage in doing so.
According to Jillson, Gov. Noem seems to welcome discussions about tensions with the Native Americans in South Dakota, as it diverts attention from the controversial incident involving her shooting a dog.
Noem seems to be growing weary of addressing inquiries regarding her choice to euthanize Cricket, the dog that had attacked a family’s chickens during a stop on the way home from a hunting trip and later tried to bite the governor. During her appearance on “Face the Nation,” she was questioned about a passage in her book that referenced President Biden’s dog, Commander, who had a history of biting individuals at the White House. In her book, Noem stated that if she were to reach the White House, she would introduce Cricket to Commander by saying, “Commander, say hello to Cricket.”
Governor Noem expressed her belief that the President should be held accountable for the dog. When Brennan asked if she was suggesting that the President should be shot, Noem reiterated her statement, emphasizing that the President should be held accountable.
During an interview on “CBS Mornings,” she acknowledged, “I have had the opportunity to meet numerous world leaders and have traveled extensively around the globe.” She also admitted, “In hindsight, I realize that including that particular anecdote in the book was a mistake.”
“I believe that Trump thrives on chaos because it allows him to divert attention away from himself,” Jillson explained.
University of South Dakota political science professor Michael Card suggests that if it’s not the vice-president slot, it remains uncertain what lies ahead in Noem’s political future. This uncertainty stems from the fact that she is barred from seeking another term as governor, as she is currently serving her second term.
According to Card, there are two potential options for her future political career. One option is for her to pursue U.S. Senator Mike Rounds’ seat, while the other option is for her to make a comeback and run for a position in the House of Representatives.
