Move FM Global News

PIERRE, South Dakota: Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota has been banned from entering lands belonging to several tribes, now amounting to nearly 20 percent of the state, following remarks she made accusing tribal leaders of collusion with drug cartels.

This comes in addition to the recent uproar over a hunting dog incident detailed in her latest book, compounding controversies that could impact her political future.

The Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe recently joined the Oglala, Rosebud, Cheyenne River, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes in prohibiting Noem’s entry onto their lands. These decisions were sparked by Noem’s March comments, where she claimed, “We have got some tribal leaders that I believe are personally benefiting from the cartels being there, and that is why they attack me every day. But I am going to fight for the people who actually live in those situations, who call me and text me every day and say, ‘Please, dear governor, please come help us in Pine Ridge. We are scared.'”

Noem’s office has yet to respond to inquiries about the bans. However, she has expressed on social media that while her relationship with tribal leaders is strained, she believes many reservation residents still support her. She further criticized tribal leaders for not expelling cartels from their lands, offering her assistance to restore law and order.

The backdrop of Noem’s tension with the tribes includes disputes over the Dakota Access Pipeline protests and COVID-19 safety measures, which historically echo long-standing frictions that date back to events like the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre.

Political observers note that Noem might be leveraging these tensions for political gain. Cal Jillson of Southern Methodist University suggested, “Gov. Noem does not mind a focus on tensions with the Native Americans in South Dakota because if we are not talking about that, we are talking about her shooting the dog.” This refers to her controversial decision to kill a misbehaving hunting dog, a story she later regretted including in her book.

Amidst these controversies and her rumored consideration for a vice-presidential slot alongside Donald Trump, Noem’s political path is under scrutiny.

Michael Card, a political science professor at the University of South Dakota, noted her barred possibility for a third gubernatorial term and speculated on her potential bids for the Senate or a return to the House of Representatives.