News from the Northern Plains

Buffalo's Fire Sections

South Dakota

News from South Dakota covering Native issues, politics, environment, education and more.

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Joseph M. Marshall III

Sing for the Red Dress

Murder mysteries and Indigenous knowledge: The legacy of Sicangu Oglala Lakota author Joseph M. Marshall III

In the last installment of the Smokey River Suspense series, recently deceased author, historian and cultural bearer Joseph M. Marshall III tackled his most challenging mystery: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Chana Kaplan, Buffalo's Fire

US Senate challenger says Wounded Knee medals ‘should not stand’; incumbent says more info needed

Meghan O'Brien, SD Searchlight

Oglala Sioux Tribe facing fairness questions over banishment law

Tribal leaders call for urgent action on public safety crisis

US Senate challenger says Wounded Knee medals ‘should not stand’; incumbent says more info needed

Candidates respond to questions about 1890 massacre in South Dakota after Defense Department review

Meghan O'Brien, SD Searchlight

Oglala Sioux Tribe facing fairness questions over banishment law

The policy aims to combat crime on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, but its effectiveness and a lack of a clear appeals process are drawing questions

Oglala Sioux Tribe finance meeting of June 4, 2026

Tribal leaders call for urgent action on public safety crisis

Oglala Sioux Tribe president: ‘We need results’

Janie Ducheneaux

ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.

South Dakota universities’ Native American enrollment rises to pre-pandemic level

28% increase at Black Hills State accounts for much of systemwide growth in last year

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

Tribal law enforcement academy, requested by South Dakota, will be located in North Dakota

News comes as part of new push from BIA to address violent crime in tribal areas

John Hult, North Dakota Searchlight

Camp Grafton

Report details wide disparity between Native American and white health in South Dakota

Examining the systemic barriers, mortality rates, and the proposed tribal-managed Medicaid solutions aimed at closing South Dakota's life expectancy gap

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

‘It’s about safety’: Broadband service uncertain as 150th anniversary of the Little Bighorn battle nears

Tourists, media, historians and tribal officials expected to drive up demand for high-speed internet during commemorative event

Tribal elder convicted of threatening federal employee receives probation

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe citizen Joseph Lafferty must agree to community service, other conditions

Environmental stewardship

U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota

The agreement concerns the Black Elk Wilderness, a ‘place of profound spiritual, cultural, and historical importance’

South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes

While new legislation aims to protect local customers from rising electricity rates, an Indigenous land conservation group is calling for a moratorium on data centers

By Darren Thompson

Legislators plan to learn about Native American health care, emergency services, disability care

Lawmakers establish task forces to study tribal Medicaid models, emergency service sustainability and disability waiver programs ahead of 2027

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

Drilling project moves forward in the heart of the Black Hills

Forest Service waives environmental assessment, disregarding cultural significance of Pe’ Sla

By Gabrielle Nelson

A year without answers: Renzo Bullhead’s family encourages those with information to come forward

The college student went missing in North Dakota on March 16, 2025

Language Access

South Dakota governor signs Helen’s Law, requiring language translations in official state proceedings

Law named after fluent Lakota speaker Helen Red Feather

By Darren Thompson

Federal Politics

Trump dumps Noem, taps Mullin to be next DHS Secretary

If approved, Mullin would be second Native man to serve as U.S. Cabinet member

Native Leadership

Native political organizer and activist running for South Dakota governor

Candidate Allison Renville stresses importance of restoring trust between tribes and the state

By Gabrielle Nelson

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Historic Preservation

Legislation signed to protect Wounded Knee memorial site

South Dakota’s congressional delegation joins Wounded Knee descendants and supporters at site on 135th anniversary of the massacre

By Darren Thompson

Crow tribe considers enrollment reset

To combat "death by numbers," Chairman Frank Whiteclay moves to classify all 14,289 current members as full-blooded, so future generations aren't erased by colonial math

James Giago Davies, Native Sun News Today

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Oceti Sakowin Treaty Council calls for repeal of 1872 Mining Act, protection of He Sápa

Resolution adopted at the Dec 17 Oceti Sakowin Treaty Conference calls for permanent protection of He Sápa (Black Hills) and an end to mining claims

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear