The opening days of legislative session are highlighting renewed efforts to improve relations between the state of South Dakota and the nine tribes located in its borders.
Between gaming compacts and flag ceremonies, communication is building between entities.
As an example, just over a year ago, the Attorney General’s office filled a coordinator position to help address jurisdictional issues with missing and murdered indigenous people.
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 said 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,” Allen-Weddell said. “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 said 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,” Allen-Weddell said. “Cannabis has helped my tribe fund the gap between bare-bones federal programs and robust tribal programs and will continue to provide a solid economic base for the tribe.”
Earlier in the day, Republican Gov. Kristi Noem 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.
