Strengthening Tribal Relations

 
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
August 28, 2026  

I enjoy meeting people where they’re at. It’s far easier to understand where someone is coming from if I can look them in the eye, see and hear their needs for myself, and gain a better appreciation for their perspective. It’s just how I’m wired. And I’ve taken that approach to meeting with South Dakota’s nine tribal nations.

When I took office, in my very first speech to the Legislature, I promised to “reset” relationships with our Tribes. In my first 18 months on the job, I’ve been very encouraged by the results.

This past year, on State-Tribal Relations Day in the Legislature, I had a scheduled meeting with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Well, other tribes heard about it, and suddenly, we had members of 8 tribes filling our conference room, including 6 tribal chairmen and presidents. The room was literally overflowing! We talked about challenges and opportunities. And there were some instances where we disagreed – but we did so agreeably.

The cornerstones of my Administration are openness, responsiveness, and civility. And I’ve especially emphasized that approach in my interactions with the tribes. They know that if they ever have any concerns, then can bring them to me, and I will do my best to help find a solution.

I recently visited the Pine Ridge Reservation to sit down with leaders of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Our conversation focused on economic opportunities. By visiting them where they’re at, I gained a better sense of their challenges and opportunities for myself. It was a productive meeting!

I also recently met with tribal leaders to discuss public safety and law enforcement on our tribal reservations. That topic has been a key focus of mine in my first two sessions as Governor. Our law enforcement deserves respect – at all levels. But for too many years, tribal law enforcement officers have not had the full protection of South Dakota law. This year, we changed that. I supported the bill to recognize tribal law enforcement under the definition of “law enforcement officer.”

On top of that, my Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force is hard at work. And that work includes some tribal-specific rehabilitation opportunities. If we can give inmates the opportunity for true rehabilitation, then we can end the revolving door in our prisons. And we can improve public safety on our tribal reservations.

When I met with our tribal leaders, I did make a couple requests. I asked them to continue working closely with my administration on public safety issues. That collaboration starts with communication, but it can go far beyond that. Tribes have the opportunity to sign Law Enforcement Agreements with my Administration, and I encouraged every tribe that has not yet done so to change that.

After all, crime does not recognize borders. Whether South Dakotans live in Onida or Oglala, Winner or Wagner, drugs are impacting every community.

To reduce crime throughout South Dakota and our reservations, we must look past politics. We must focus on working together. For as long as I am Governor, that is the approach I will take. It will always be my mission to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. And that goes for every South Dakota community, including our tribal reservations.

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