This comes amid a lawsuit from a Native advocacy network and nationwide controversy after an effort to restrict the access of Indigenous peoples to the property.
In 2022 Connie Uhre, the owner of the Rapid City hotel, aimed to quote, “no longer allow any Native on property” following an act of violence.
That sparked deep controversy, a social media firestorm, and multiple lawsuits leveled at the hotel, both federal and civil.
The hotel followed through on this threat by declining to serve Native peoples connected to the organization on two separate occasions. Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on race, including hotels.
Uhre herself was also found guilty on simple assault charges following weeks of protests in front of the facility.
The civil suit, filed by Rapid City-based Indigenous advocacy network NDN Collective, was due to begin Monday, Sept. 9. However, the announcement of bankruptcy protection has effectively halted the proceedings.
Nick Tilsen is CEO of NDN Collective. He described mixed feelings as the announcement delays what he sees as a strong case against Retsel Corp.
“The Retsel Corporation basically had no out at this point. There’s a cost to racism," Tilsen said. "When you become morally bankrupt as a result of racism it could lead to you becoming financially bankrupt. It's no small thing to go through bankruptcy. It does absolutely feel like justice is delayed at the moment, and it doesn’t feel good. It doesn’t feel good because we wanted to see racism on trial.”
Sunny Red Bear is associate director of organizing with NDN Collective. She said the situation and legal battle represents a culture of institutionalized discrimination in the Rapid City area.
“We’re seeing this in our community, and they need to face their roles in maintaining that inequality," Red Bear said. "The fight for justice in Rapid City won’t stop until every business is held accountable for the harm it has caused Native people. So, we’re challenging Rapid City to a choice – continue allowing racism to fester, or stand up and reject it once and for all.”
The trial is now on hold until bankruptcy proceedings are completed.