Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Council votes to ban Noem from Lake Traverse Reservation

May 8, 2024

SISSETON, S.D.–Governor Kristi Noem has been banned from the Lake Traverse Reservation.

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban the governor from coming onto the reservation following her remarks about the cartel’s presence on reservations.

In a statement, the council said , “as Tribal leaders, it is our duty to honor the voice of our people. Although, it is always a goal to engage in constructive dialogue with our political counterparts at the federal and state level, it is equally important we take actions that protect our values, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment, and preventing further marginalization of tribal nations.”

This is the fifth tribe to ban Noem from tribal land in South Dakota, following the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.