On Tuesday morning, it was announced that President-elect Donald Trump nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. This nomination has raised concerns for Native American communities in South Dakota but also opens the door for potential change.
Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out expressed hope during an intertribal meeting on November 13, saying, We need to come together now, more than ever, and called for a governor who would collaborate with tribes to address critical issues.
Noem’s relationship with Native communities has been strained. In May, she was banned from all nine South Dakota reservations after making controversial statements about cartel activity and tribal governments. At one point, Noem suggested tribal governments were benefiting from the presence of cartels and failing to serve their youth. Her remarks were met with anger, leading to the banishment.
There is no verified evidence of cartel activity on these reservations, and one of the cases Noem cited as proof was later discredited by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Still, Noem remains banned from the Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, Standing Rock, and other reservations in South Dakota.
As Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem would oversee numerous agencies, including FEMA, Customs and Border Protection, and the Coast Guard. However, her history with tribal communities raises questions about her ability to manage emergency situations.
In December 2022, her delayed response to a winter storm on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations led to widespread suffering, with some families burning furniture to stay warm. A 12-year-old boy died in the storm, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe cited Noem’s failure to act quickly as a major concern.
In addition to the storm response, Noem’s support for the Keystone XL Pipeline and her opposition to COVID-19 checkpoints on reservations have led to tensions. Her stance on Native American education, including separating the Department of Indian Education from the Department of Education and reducing the focus on Native history, has also sparked criticism.
Sarah White, executive director of the South Dakota Education Equity Coalition, said Noem’s leadership has harmed Indigenous students, and her appointment to a federal position could further damage relations.
Nick Tilsen, CEO of the NDN Collective, criticized Noem’s appointment, stating that her focus on border issues and her controversial stance on cartels in Indian Country indicate potential harm for Native communities.
If Noem is confirmed, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden would take over her role. While Rhoden has limited interaction with tribes, his past support for Native causes gives some hope that he may work more collaboratively with tribal leaders.
Meanwhile, South Dakota Senator John Thune, who has a more positive record with Native communities, is expected to become Senate Majority Leader. Thune has supported legislation to return land to tribes and has worked on improving infrastructure and education for Native communities.
Ryman LeBeau, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, expressed optimism about continuing to work with Thune, citing his longstanding support for tribal issues.