The Rosebud Sioux Tribal council wants to pull its tribal flag from the South Dakota Capitol building.
The move comes just over a month after the flag was placed in the state Capitol rotunda.
The Rosebud tribal council voted unanimously to direct the tribal president to retrieve the flag from the state Capitol rotunda.
The flag retrieval comes in response to a special address by Republican Gov. Kristi Noem to the legislature about the southern border. In that speech, she alluded to a gang called ‘Ghost Dancers’ and tribal members getting involved in Mexican drug cartel activity.
Both Rosebud and Standing Rock tribal flags were placed in the Capitol rotunda at the beginning of session.
Rep. Eric Emery was one of two lawmakers who presented the Rosebud flag to Noem during a ceremony at the beginning of the year.
Emery said the state should respect the tribe’s request.
“We graciously presented that flag a few weeks ago with the understanding that it would bring some cooperation from the state and between the tribe,” Emery said. “Unfortunately, that’s now what’s happening anymore. I have to stand behind the [Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s] position on wanting their flag back.”
Emery said he’d like to see more dialogue between the governor and the tribe.
The governor’s office has not responded to immediate requests for comment. In a statement to KELO news, a spokesperson for the governor says they’ll continue to honor the Rosebud Sioux Tribe by flying the flag in the Capitol rotunda.
