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South Dakota
News from South Dakota covering Native issues, politics, environment, education and more.
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Sing for the Red Dress
Murder mysteries and Indigenous knowledge: The legacy of Sicangu Oglala Lakota author Joseph M. Marshall III
In the last installment of the Smokey River Suspense series, recently deceased author, historian and cultural bearer Joseph M. Marshall III tackled his most challenging mystery: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Chana Kaplan, Buffalo's Fire
South Dakota
US Senate challenger says Wounded Knee medals ‘should not stand’; incumbent says more info needed
Candidates respond to questions about 1890 massacre in South Dakota after Defense Department review
Meghan O'Brien, SD Searchlight
South Dakota
Oglala Sioux Tribe facing fairness questions over banishment law
The policy aims to combat crime on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, but its effectiveness and a lack of a clear appeals process are drawing questions
By Karin Eagle
Public Safety
Tribal leaders call for urgent action on public safety crisis
Oglala Sioux Tribe president: ‘We need results’
By Karin Eagle
South Dakota
US Senate challenger says Wounded Knee medals ‘should not stand’; incumbent says more info needed
Candidates respond to questions about 1890 massacre in South Dakota after Defense Department review
Meghan O'Brien, SD Searchlight
South Dakota
Oglala Sioux Tribe facing fairness questions over banishment law
The policy aims to combat crime on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, but its effectiveness and a lack of a clear appeals process are drawing questions
By Karin Eagle
Public Safety
Tribal leaders call for urgent action on public safety crisis
Oglala Sioux Tribe president: ‘We need results’
By Karin Eagle
Shine
The Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
Education
South Dakota universities’ Native American enrollment rises to pre-pandemic level
28% increase at Black Hills State accounts for much of systemwide growth in last year
Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight
Justice
Tribal law enforcement academy, requested by South Dakota, will be located in North Dakota
News comes as part of new push from BIA to address violent crime in tribal areas
John Hult, North Dakota Searchlight
Health
Report details wide disparity between Native American and white health in South Dakota
Examining the systemic barriers, mortality rates, and the proposed tribal-managed Medicaid solutions aimed at closing South Dakota's life expectancy gap
Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight
Technology
‘It’s about safety’: Broadband service uncertain as 150th anniversary of the Little Bighorn battle nears
Tourists, media, historians and tribal officials expected to drive up demand for high-speed internet during commemorative event
By Brian Bull
Law & Justice
Tribal elder convicted of threatening federal employee receives probation
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe citizen Joseph Lafferty must agree to community service, other conditions
By Brian Bull
Environmental stewardship
U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota
The agreement concerns the Black Elk Wilderness, a ‘place of profound spiritual, cultural, and historical importance’
By Brian Bull
Legislation
South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes
While new legislation aims to protect local customers from rising electricity rates, an Indigenous land conservation group is calling for a moratorium on data centers
By Darren Thompson
Health
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
Land use
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
MMIP
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
By Jolan Kruse
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
By Brian Bull
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
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
Heritage
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
Treaty Rights
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
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