Spectators at the Lakota Nation Invitational. This year's event takes place December 17-20. Photo from Facebook



OST to offer tribal ID’s at LNI

By Brandon EcoffeyNative Sun NewsManaging Editor

PINE RIDGE –– For the first time in its history the Oglala Sioux Tribe will bring its enrollment office to the public.

During this year’s Lakota Nation Invitational in Rapid City the tribe will have a booth set up to issue tribal IDs to enrolled members who may not have the opportunity to travel to Pine Ridge to get them.

“This has never happened before and we are doing this because of the convenience it will bring for some of our enrolled members who need a Tribal ID or enrollment information but can't make the trip down to Pine Ridge,” said Stevee Ecoffey, Data entry clerk for OST enrollment. “It is the goal of the Oglala Sioux Tribe's Enrollment Department to identify and enroll each person eligible for Tribal Membership.”

The office that has been under the direction of Joan Decker for the last 40 years has never set up a satellite office for the purpose of enrolling members.

According to the Enrollment office enrolled tribal members interested in purchasing a tribal ID will need to bring with them another photo ID along with a $15 money order. A social security number can also go on the tribal ID but is optional. Proof of Social Security numbers are required and can be proven either by presenting a social security card or a W-2 tax form or a bank statement.

At the booth those seeking information on enrollment will be able to bring their questions to representatives of the enrollment office.

(Contact Brandon Ecoffey at staffwriter2@nsweekly.com)

Copyright permission Native Sun News

Join the Conversation