The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe in South Dakota has barred Governor Kristi Noem from setting foot on its reservation, marking the seventh Native American tribe to do so. The ban stems from Noem’s incendiary remarks earlier this year, where she brazenly insinuated that tribal leaders were complicit in the activities of drug cartels.
The unanimous decision to ban Noem was fueled by her derogatory comments, particularly her disdainful suggestion that tribal leaders are somehow complicit in cartel operations. Kyle Loudner, a member of the tribal council, minced no words in expressing the tribe’s outrage, denouncing Noem’s disrespect towards both the tribes and the communities affected by cartel activity.
“The people voted unanimously to ban her along with the tribal council for her derogatory remarks about the tribes and cartels,” Loudner told The Dakota Scout. “And about the remarks she made about the children being nobodies their whole lives because of the parents.”
Noem’s baseless accusations against tribal leaders, suggesting they benefit from criminal enterprises, have only intensified the rift between her administration and the Native American communities. Despite vehement pushback from tribal representatives like Langkeek, who categorically refuted Noem’s claims, the governor has persisted in her inflammatory rhetoric.
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Since assuming office, Noem’s tenure has been marked by strained relations with Native American tribes, exacerbated by her recent comments that have further deepened mistrust and animosity. Accusations have surfaced that Noem’s decisions are politically motivated, aimed at bolstering her standing with figures like former President Trump, rather than upholding tribal sovereignty.
In response to the bans, Noem has doubled down on her divisive rhetoric, attempting to deflect criticism by urging tribes to align with her law enforcement agenda. Yet, her hollow calls for partnership ring hollow in the face of her continued disparagement of tribal sovereignty and dignity.
“Tribals 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 wrote. “We can only do this through partnerships because the Biden Administration is failing to do their job.”
As tensions escalate, the chasm between Governor Noem and the Native American tribes widens, highlighting the urgent need for reconciliation and genuine respect for tribal autonomy. Noem’s obstinance threatens to further fracture these already fragile relationships, leaving communities on both sides to bear the consequences of her divisive actions.
