Noem banned again by Oglala Sioux after tying reservation crime to southern border crisis

Governor says tribal president politicizing public safety discussion

Gov. Kristi Noem is once again banned from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe has banished the Republican governor from its territory following remarks she made earlier this week in an address to the state Legislature in which she said Mexican drug cartels are operating on tribal lands, specifically saying that “Ghost Dancers” are affiliated with those criminal organizations.

“I and the Oyate are deeply offended that you alleged the “Ghost Dancers” are affiliated with these cartels,” OST President Frank Star Comes Out said in a statement issued by the tribe Friday, referring to claims by the governor that murders in the Rapid City area stems from the cartel activity, including a gang called the “Ghost Dancers.”

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That part of Noem’s address to lawmakers Wednesday has brought criticisms from Native American policy makers and tribal leaders, who say the governor’s comments were disparaging to the tribes and Native Americans while politicizing a public safety issue, done as a way for her to gain favor with presidential candidate Donald Trump. Noem is a leading contender to be selected as Trump’s running mate in this year’s presidential election.

“Ghost Dance: one of the most sacred ceremonies was a used with blatant disrespect and is insulting to our Oyate,” Star Comes Out continued in the four-page memo released on the tribe’s social media pages, which concludes with, “Due to the safety of the Oyate, effective immediately, you are hereby Banished from the homelands of the Oglala Sioux Tribe!”