ROSEBUD – The Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council took action to approve several motions in response to disparaging allegations made against South Dakota tribes by Governor Kristi Noem.
The governor recently gave an address in a Joint Session of the Legislative Body after a visit to the Texas-Mexico border. Noem alleged “The drug and human trafficking pouring over the border devastate our people. Make no mistake, the cartels have a presence on several of South Dakota’s tribal reservations. Murders are being committed by cartel members on the Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rapid City, and a gang called the “Ghost Dancers” are affiliated with these cartels.”
The RST council approved a motion asking for a letter to be addressed to the governor asking for her support in requesting increased public safety dollars from the federal government. A discussion on public safety was held. A suggestion was made to file a lawsuit against the federal government on the need for increased funding. President Scott Herman plans to issue a state of emergency declaration on the need for increased public safety on tribal lands.
RST council members also received calls from tribal citizens expressing concerns about the allegations made by the governor. Tribal citizens were offended that the governor would make unfounded allegations regarding the presence of cartels and drugs on tribal lands. A motion was also approved for the Tribal President to write a letter of response to the bold statement issued by Gov. Noem.
The RST council also approved a motion to retrieve the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Flag from the South Dakota Capitol Rotunda. The RST Flag was one of two tribal flags posted in the Capitol Rotunda on January 10, 2024 as part of the State Tribal Relations Day. The tribal flag display in the Capitol Rotunda was approved through House Bill 1189 in 2021.
The RST council provides a live broadcast of their meetings on YouTube.
Sicangu News 
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