South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is facing backlash and bans from nearly 20% of her state after two more tribes banished her this week. This comes after she made comments earlier in March alleging that tribal leaders were benefiting from drug cartels on reservations. The Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Ovate tribe both voted to ban Noem from their lands in southeastern South Dakota. This adds to the list of tribes, including Oglala, Rosebud, Cheyenne River, and Standing Rock Sioux, that have already taken action to keep her off their reservations.
Noem’s remarks about tribal leaders catering to drug cartels, neglecting the needs of children and the poor, have deepened the divisions between the tribes and the state. Despite facing bans, Noem believes that many people living on the reservations still support her, even though she is not getting along with tribal leaders. She called for tribal leaders to take action to ban cartels from their lands and expressed her willingness to help them restore law and order while protecting their sovereignty. Noem has been clashing with the tribes over various issues in the past, including the Dakota Access Pipeline protests and COVID-19 checkpoint disputes.
The ongoing tribal dispute seems different this time as Noem appears to be actively stoking tensions, possibly for political gain, according to political observers. The strained relationship between Native Americans in South Dakota and the government dates back to historical events like the Wounded Knee massacre of 1890. Noem has also faced criticism for controversial incidents such as killing a hunting dog that misbehaved and including implausible anecdotes in her latest book. These controversies have overshadowed her book tour and may impact her chances of becoming Donald Trump’s running mate or pursuing other political opportunities.
The banishments have led to speculation about Noem’s political future, especially since she is prevented from running for another term as governor. Political experts suggest that if she doesn’t secure the vice-presidential slot, she may consider running for a U.S. Senator seat or attempting to return to the House of Representatives. As Trump continues to audition potential vice-presidential candidates, Noem’s controversies and divisive comments may hurt her chances with the former president. With uncertainties surrounding her political career and the ongoing tribal disputes, Noem’s actions and statements will continue to be scrutinized as she navigates her future in South Dakota politics.
