Gov. Noem responds to South Dakota Tribes pulling flags from Capitol

RAPID CITY S.D. — After Governor Kristi Noem introduced new Keystone XL Pipeline legislation, several South Dakota Tribes announced they don’t want their flags displayed in the State House in Pierre.

During a visit in Rapid City on Saturday, Noem said she didn’t know about the Tribes wanting to pull their flags until she saw it in the media.

Last week, the Oglala Sioux, Crow Creek Sioux, Yankton Sioux, and Lower Brule Tribes issued statements saying they don’t want their flags displayed in the capitol. They take issue with two pipeline bills from the Governor, which seek money from both pipeline developers and riot boosters who fund and participate in destructive protests.

When drafting the bills, Governor Noem said she met with lawmakers, law enforcement, and TransCanada. Some tribal leaders said they’re frustrated that they weren’t included in the conversation.

On Saturday, Governor Noem said she still wants to improve Tribal relations and hopes to meet with leadership.

“I’m hopeful they’ll change their minds,” Noem said. “I want to have a new relationship with our Tribes. I think they’re upset for some legislation that was facilitating and making sure we have peace, but it was not targeted toward tribes at all.”

Noem also said the legislation looks to protect people and the environment. She also said she hopes meeting with the tribes will help resolve the flag dispute.

“I think that my ability to go talk to them about that will help reconcile the relationship,” she said.