South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) is picking a fight with at least two of the state’s tribal governments over their travel checkpoints used to try and control the spread of Covid-19 onto their lands. In a letter sent May 8 to leaders of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Gov. Noem demanded they remove their checkpoints.
“We are strongest when we work together; this includes our battle against COVID-19,” the governor said in a statement sent to media Friday afternoon. “I request that the tribes immediately cease interfering with or regulating traffic on US and State Highways and remove all travel checkpoints.” [reverse snip] If the checkpoints are not removed within the next 48 hours, the governor will pursue legal action against the tribes, the governor's office said in a news release Friday.
“We are strongest when we work together; this includes our battle against COVID-19,” the governor said in a statement sent to media Friday afternoon. “I request that the tribes immediately cease interfering with or regulating traffic on US and State Highways and remove all travel checkpoints.”
[reverse snip]
If the checkpoints are not removed within the next 48 hours, the governor will pursue legal action against the tribes, the governor's office said in a news release Friday.
Cheyenne River Tribal Chairman Harold Frazier hit back, stating in a news release:
"...you continuing to interfere in our efforts to do what science and facts dictate seriously undermine our ability to protect everyone on the reservation. Ignorant statements and fiery rhetoric encourage individuals already under stress from this situation to carry out irrational actions," he said. "We invite you to join us in protecting the lives of our people and those that live on this reservation. I regretfully decline your request."
South Dakota has one of the highest percentages Indigenious persons in their population. And they vote overwhelmingly Democratic. As Business Insider noted:
Noem has a contentious history with the Native American community in her state. In early 2019, she led efforts to pass a state law targeting demonstrations by anti-oil pipeline activities. The Oglala Sioux tribe later told her she was unwelcome in the Pine Ridge Reservation, one of the largest reservations in the country, until she rescinded her support for such laws.
Gov. Noem’s attempts to be a Midwestern Mini Trump is pretty obvious. She struggled to win her first term in 2018 despite the state’s strong Republican leaning. She is also alienating many around her, leading to the whisperings that she might get a primary challenger in 2022. Might…
It will be interesting to see what legal standing Gov. Noem uses to challenge the right of tribes to control traffic through their sovereign lands.