Native leaders seek representation as South Dakota draws new districts

Senators and representatives on South Dakota’s Legislative Redistricting Committee heard testimony from American Indian constituents engaged in a quest to create legislative districts that better represent the Northern Great Plains’ largest minority population.

American Indians, who make up that demographic in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana, summoned 20 years of voter rights organizing to defend historic gains during the 2021 legislative district remapping exercise. Native elected leaders and community advocates locked step to assure tribal representation in state and federal contests.