In a bold move, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe has joined forces with six other South Dakota tribes to ban Governor Kristi Noem from their reservations, citing her harmful and inaccurate comments about tribal leaders and native children.
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe passed a resolution on Tuesday morning, solidifying their stance against Noem’s divisive rhetoric. This collective action by the tribes sends a powerful message, rejecting the governor’s attempts to stigmatize and marginalize their communities.
Noem’s controversial statements, made during a recent town hall, alleged that tribal leaders benefited from cartel activity and claimed that native children “don’t have any hope.”
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Chairman Peter Lengkeek vehemently refuted these claims, emphasizing that their reservation does not harbor Mexican drug cartels but rather suffers from the consequences of cartel activity that passes through state highways.
Lengkeek criticized Noem’s office for its ignorance and unwillingness to engage with tribes, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and divisions.
The Sisseton-Wahpeton and Yankton Tribes have already banned Noem from their reservations, with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe considering a similar move.
Chairman Clyde Estes expressed his strong disapproval of Noem’s comments about native children, emphasizing that they should be left out of political discussions. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe’s stance remains unclear, and Noem’s office has yet to respond to requests for comment.
This united front by the tribes demonstrates their determination to stand against harmful rhetoric and promote understanding, respect, and inclusivity.
