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The opening days of the legislative session in South Dakota are highlighting renewed efforts to improve relations between the state and the nine tribes located in its borders.
Between gaming compacts and flag ceremonies are among efforts to build communication between entities.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s Lee Strubinger has more.
During the annual State of the Tribes address, Cynthia Allen-Weddell, vice president of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, started her speech by acknowledging the work of the state-tribal relations committee.
The make-up of that committee was recently changed to include more non-Native lawmakers. She says the committee made an active effort to visit tribes and learn about their concerns.
“We welcome more opportunities to collaborate with the committee and the state. So, please do not hesitate to reach out.”
Over eight years ago, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe abandoned plans to open the nation’s first marijuana resort over fears of a federal crackdown.
Attorney General Marty Jackley charged two consultants who worked with the tribe.
Four years later, state voters legalized a medical marijuana program and Native Nations Cannabis in the Flandreau reservation was one of the first dispensaries to open.
Allen-Weddell says medical cannabis is a large economic driver for the tribe.
“The development of cannabis is an act of sovereignty, but based on necessity. Without the ability to find tribal programs, provide housing for tribal members, and to make sure people have food on the table, the tribe cannot be independent or a self-determined government. Cannabis has helped my tribe fund the gap between barebones federal programs and robust tribal programs and will continue to provide a solid economic base for the tribe.”
Earlier in the day, Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) and representatives from Standing Rock and Rosebud Sioux Tribal governments hosted a ceremony to display their respective flags in the Capitol rotunda.
Both tribes recently entered new gaming compacts with the state.
Standing Rock is increasing the number of machines from 350 to 1,000.
The compact will last for a decade.
In Arizona, the 29th Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day was held at the capitol in Phoenix on Wednesday.
Photo: Urias Communications
The summit gathered its largest attendance in history with more than a thousand tribal leaders, representatives, and community members.
They discussed priorities for the new year, including in areas of economic development, public safety, and human services.
The day-long gathering included afternoon breakout sessions with state agencies and a youth workshop.
The Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations hosts the event.
There are 22 federally recognized tribes in the state.
Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK).
Five of the largest tribes in Oklahoma are rejecting a state task force created by the governor.
In December, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK) created the 13-member task force to address public safety, which he says is to address the U.S. Supreme Court McGirt decision.
This week, the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole Nations, sent a letter to the governor opposing the task force.
The tribes say, after review, they conclude it would divide rather than unify and would make political points rather than seek genuine solutions.
The Five Tribes have one member and Oklahoma’s other 33 tribes have one member on the task force.
The rest of it is made up of state representatives.
The governor’s office released a statement saying it’s an opportunity to partner with tribes to respond to the issue and hopes the five tribes will reconsider.
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