News from the Northern Plains

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South Dakota

News from South Dakota covering Native issues, politics, environment, education and more.

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Legislators plan to learn about Native American health care, emergency services, disability care

Lawmakers establish task forces to study tribal Medicaid models, emergency service sustainability and disability waiver programs ahead of 2027

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

Drilling project moves forward in the heart of the Black Hills

By Gabrielle Nelson

A year without answers: Renzo Bullhead’s family encourages those with information to come forward

Language Access

South Dakota governor signs Helen’s Law, requiring language translations in official state proceedings

By Darren Thompson

Drilling project moves forward in the heart of the Black Hills

Forest Service waives environmental assessment, disregarding cultural significance of Pe’ Sla

By Gabrielle Nelson

A year without answers: Renzo Bullhead’s family encourages those with information to come forward

The college student went missing in North Dakota on March 16, 2025

Language Access

South Dakota governor signs Helen’s Law, requiring language translations in official state proceedings

Law named after fluent Lakota speaker Helen Red Feather

By Darren Thompson

Federal Politics

Trump dumps Noem, taps Mullin to be next DHS Secretary

If approved, Mullin would be second Native man to serve as U.S. Cabinet member

Native Leadership

Native political organizer and activist running for South Dakota governor

Candidate Allison Renville stresses importance of restoring trust between tribes and the state

By Gabrielle Nelson

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Historic Preservation

Legislation signed to protect Wounded Knee memorial site

South Dakota’s congressional delegation joins Wounded Knee descendants and supporters at site on 135th anniversary of the massacre

By Darren Thompson

Crow tribe considers enrollment reset

To combat "death by numbers," Chairman Frank Whiteclay moves to classify all 14,289 current members as full-blooded, so future generations aren't erased by colonial math

James Giago Davies, Native Sun News Today

crow-indian-reservation-crow-fair-teepees

Oceti Sakowin Treaty Council calls for repeal of 1872 Mining Act, protection of He Sápa

Resolution adopted at the Dec 17 Oceti Sakowin Treaty Conference calls for permanent protection of He Sápa (Black Hills) and an end to mining claims

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Criminal Justice

South Dakota legislators to consider prison proposal

With crime rates dropping, a Native lawmaker is concerned over priorities

ProposedPrisonDesignSD

Community Search

MMIR: Native community unites in water and ground search for Standing Rock man, last seen on train bridge

It’s been 10 days since Renzo Bullhead disappeared

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

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Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrations unite generations

IndigenousPeoplesDayCelebration

South Dakota governor seeks audits of tribes

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Indigenous content creator represents his people

School superintendent fired after racist comments

Nicole Swigart

Relatives mourn fatal shooting of man who intervened in clash during Oglala Nation powwow

By Talli Nauman and Talli Nauman

Pine Ridge Celebration

Superintendent placed on leave following offensive comments

Rapid City School Area

Access to health care limited in rural and reservation areas

Tribe will not attend governor’s public safety summit

Kristi Noem

South Dakota Board of Regents clamp down on use of tribal affiliations in email signatures

Megan Red Shirt-Shaw