A seventh Native American tribe in South Dakota has barred Gov. Kristi Noem from its reservation over remarks she made earlier this year claiming tribal leaders benefit from drug traffickers.
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe in central South Dakota revealed on Tuesday that it had voted unanimously to ban the Republican governor.
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“We do not have cartels on the reservations,” Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Chairman Peter Lengkeek stated after Tuesday’s vote.
“We have cartel merchandise, such as firearms and drugs. However, they must travel over state highways to reach the reservation,” Lengkeek explained. “So, putting us all together like that and saying that all tribes are involved in this really shows the governor’s office’s ignorance.”
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is the eighth of nine tribes to ban the governor from their reservations, which account for 20% of South Dakota’s area. The tribe has joined the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe, and the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
“When the state and tribe respect one another, both of our flags can fly proudly.” The tribes are not cartel havens, and our people are not the gangs that threaten your communities,” stated Ryan Cournoyer, a council member for the Yankton Sioux Tribe. “Our parents desire a brighter future for their kids. “Our leaders want economic growth and hope.”
Last month, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe opted not to prohibit Noem from their reservation, but they announced Tuesday they are reconsidering.
“There’s a lot of unfortunate things said that are hurtful to our people, especially our children,” said Lower Brule Sioux Tribe chairman Clyde Estes.
The governor’s office has not responded to the newest tribe’s request to ban Noem, who reaffirmed her assertions and offered her assistance earlier this month.
“Tribal leaders should take action to ban the cartels from their lands and accept my offer to help them restore law and order to their communities while protecting their sovereignty,” Noem said in an article on X. “We can only do this through partnerships because the Biden administration is failing to do their job.”
Earlier this month, Republican Party authorities in Colorado’s Jefferson County canceled a fundraiser for Noem, who has been floated as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, citing death threats.
Noem’s latest book, No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward, which mentions slaughtering a young puppy she claims is dangerous, has sparked outrage from both Republicans and Democrats.
