South Dakota Tribe Bans Governor Noem from Reservation Over Immigration Remarks
In a surprising turn of events, Republican Governor Kristi Noem has been banned from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The Oglala Sioux Tribe made this decision following Noem’s controversial remarks regarding immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. The tribe’s president, Frank Star Comes Out, released a statement on Friday, declaring the banishment. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the Oyate, meaning people or nation, and accused Noem of using the border issues for political gain.
Star Comes Out accused Noem of exploiting the immigration situation to bolster her chances of becoming former President Donald Trump’s choice for vice president. He also highlighted that some migrants coming to the U.S.-Mexico border are indigenous people from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico who are seeking a better life. Star Comes Out criticized the mistreatment of these migrants during the Trump administration, including being separated from their children and being subjected to razor wire provided by South Dakota.
Noem responded to Star Comes Out’s remarks in a statement on Saturday. She expressed disappointment that politics had been injected into a discussion about enforcing federal laws at the southern border and on tribal lands. Noem reiterated her commitment to finding solutions to these problems through collaboration. However, Star Comes Out took offense to Noem’s comments about a gang called Ghost Dancers allegedly involved in murders on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He stated that the Ghost Dance is one of the Oglala Sioux’s most sacred ceremonies and found Noem’s remarks disrespectful and insulting.
In her defense, Noem claimed she was not the one with a stiff arm and emphasized the need for building relationships through spending time together. She expressed her willingness to work with any Native American tribes in South Dakota to foster such relationships.
This recent dispute between Governor Kristi Noem and the Oglala Sioux Tribe highlights the complex issues surrounding immigration and the treatment of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. It also underscores the importance of respectful dialogue and cooperation between tribal nations and state governments.
The banishment of Governor Noem from the Pine Ridge Reservation sends a strong message from the Oglala Sioux Tribe. It serves as a reminder that actions and statements made by public officials have consequences, particularly when they touch upon sensitive topics such as immigration and the rights of indigenous peoples.
As this story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Governor Noem and the Oglala Sioux Tribe will navigate their differences and work towards finding common ground. In the meantime, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Native American tribes and the need for open-mindedness and understanding in addressing these issues.