Discord between Gov. Noem, tribal governments escalates

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.  – Tribal council members from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe will be picking up the tribal flag from the state Capitol Monday, according to Democratic Rep. Eric Emery.

On Friday, Emery was the author of an open letter to both Gov. Kristi Noem and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe where he called on Noem to return the RST tribal flag. Emery and Democratic Sen. Shawn Bordeaux gave the flag to Noem during a ceremony in January, but the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council wanted it removed. It’s the latest development from a a tribal government that is now the fourth tribe in the state to ban Gov. Kristi Noem from its lands after the Governor spoke publicly about what she characterized as a direct link between illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexican border and drug cartels taking up residence on the state’s nine Native American reservations.

Following is the letter from Representative Emery:
Recent events concerning Gov. Noem’s ban from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe (RST) and her refusal to return the RST tribal flag have brought to light critical issues of reconciliation and respect between Indigenous communities and government officials.

As members of a society striving for unity and understanding, we must address these matters with sensitivity and a commitment to justice. First, it is crucial to recognize and respect the decision by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to ban Gov. Noem. This is not just an act of protest but a clear assertion of their sovereignty and autonomy.

Tribal nations have the inherent right to determine who enters their territories and under what conditions. Gov. Noem’s actions, whether unintentional or not, have led to this decision, and it is of utmost importance that she acknowledges and respects it.

Secondly, Gov. Noem’s refusal to return the RST tribal flag despite requests from tribal leaders, is deeply concerning. The tribal flag, a symbol of cultural heritage and identity, holds significant value to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Its return is not merely a matter of protocol but a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of the tribe’s sovereignty.

Gov. Noem’s failure to honor this request further strains the fragile relationship between her office and the Oceti Sakowin.

It is crucial that the state of South Dakota acknowledges and addresses the historical injustices that indigenous peoples have faced. Gov. Noem must promptly return the RST tribal flag to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe as a clear sign of reconciliation and mutual respect.

I strongly insist that both parties engage in a constructive dialogue, a pathway to understanding and resolution, to address the underlying issues effectively and build a relationship based on trust, understanding, and collaboration. Efforts to achieve genuine reconciliation are essential and cannot be compromised.

On Thursday, Noem told KELOLAND News that North Dakota-based tribal council members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe voted to ban her, not South Dakota-based tribal council members. She also said she believes community members in the four tribes are not banning her, just tribal governments, presidents and chairmen are banishing her.

“We have taken the flag down, and they can pick it up at their convenience,” Noem spokesman Ian Fury told KELOLAND News. “We have replaced it with the American flag.”

In an emailed statement to KELOLAND News, Emery said, “It’s great news that Governor Noem has decided to return the RST flag, which demonstrates a commitment to reconciliation and respect for the Oceti Sakowin. However, her comment about picking up the flag at the RST’s convenience raises concerns about the sincerity of the gesture. It’s important that such actions are accompanied by genuine efforts to address the underlying issues and build meaningful relationships with the Oceti Sakowin.”

Third South Dakota Tribe Bans Governor Noem 〉

Bordeaux, who sponsored the law allowing for the official flag of the nine federally recognized Indian tribes the option to display the flag in the rotunda of the Capitol, said he may look for a way to amend that law to include ways to withdraw tribal flags. The current law doesn’t include a means for returning a tribe’s flag.