South Dakota governor Dennis Daugaard says relations between tribes and the state made continued progress in 2016.
During his annual State of the State address, Daugaard pointed to tax agreements and conservation efforts on the reservations as examples.
But one lawmaker says the governor failed to address the major issue in Indian country right now…
Representative Shawn Bordeaux is a Democrat from the Rosebud Reservation.
Bordeaux says he wanted to hear more about the Dakota Access Pipeline. He says many tribal governments have passed resolutions condemning the project.
Bordeaux says it’s a worldwide issue that Daugaard didn’t address…
“So, to have our governor not talk about it is a little bit of an issue for the Native folks, especially those folks out there suffering in the cold as we sit here in the warm building," Bordeaux says. "If it’s enough of an issue for those folks, and for all the tribal communities to pass resolutions like our tribal council did at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, then I think the governor should take a little closer notice of what’s happening and to see how he can improve or what can be done regarding the race relations.”
Bordeaux points to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe rescinding contact with the state after officers with the South Dakota Highway Patrol gave aid to North Dakota law enforcement.
Governor Daugaard says there were a few hiccups with the Crow Creek Tribe this year…
“It’s one thing to talk about that when one is upset about something. It’s another thing to recognize that terminating the tax collection agreement with Crow Creek Tribe means a loss of about $800,000 to that tribe," Daugaard says. "So, I think upon reflection that was recognized.”
During his speech, Daugaard says he hopes to have tax collection agreements with all nine tribes in South Dakota. He says that would be the first time in state history.
The second ever State of the Tribes address is set for Thursday afternoon. Chairman Robert Flying Hawk of the Yankton Sioux Tribe is the key note speaker.