The Indigenous groups in South Dakota have officially banned Governor Kristi Noem, who is known for her far-right views, from visiting any tribal lands in the state.
The sweeping ban is the most recent event in the ongoing conflict between Noem and Indigenous tribes. This conflict started when the governor made controversial comments linking tribal leaders to international drug cartels.
This is just the most recent scandal involving Noem, who has been a controversial follower of Donald Trump. The Guardian reported on a book she wrote, where she admitted to shooting her family dog and goat without any reason.
The Flandreau Santee Sioux tribe (FSST) in South Dakota voted on Tuesday to ban Noem from their property. This makes them the last of the state’s nine official Native American tribes to take this action.
According to the Argus Leader, some members of FSST have asked their leaders to ban Noem. They feel uncomfortable and upset that she has not been banned from their reservation, even though other tribes have already banned her.
“We must support and unite with our fellow tribes in South Dakota, specifically the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ,” said Tyler Rambeau, who works as an executive administrative assistant for the FSST Homeowners Assistance Fund. The Očhéthi Šakówiŋ refers to a group of Sioux tribes from the Great Plains region.
Also Read: The Complicated Debate Over Who Really Owns Elvis’ Graceland is Resolved
“We don’t want to be on the wrong side of history at this moment,” he added.
Noem was being considered as a potential running mate for Trump in this election. However, her chances might have been harmed by her comments about shooting animals. In March, she made a statement accusing tribal leaders of personally benefiting from international drug cartels. This statement caused a lot of anger and controversy.
“I think some tribal leaders are benefiting personally from the cartels being present, and that’s why they attack me every day,” Noem said. “But I will advocate for the people who are actually living in those situations. They reach out to me every day through calls and texts, pleading: ‘Governor, please come and assist us in Pine Ridge.” “We are scared.”
Noem also claimed in separate comments that Indigenous children have more difficulties in school because their parents do not support them, according to Keloland News.
Noem did not directly comment on the ban in a statement shared with CNN. However, she expressed her desire to work together with tribal leaders in the future.
“I just want to address the real challenges that are being faced in certain areas of Indian country,” she said. Earlier this year, several tribes banned Noem because they believed the governor was using controversial language to gain favour with Trump.
“Our people are being manipulated for her political advantage,” said Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, in an interview with the Associated Press.
Leave a Reply