Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe expands access to tribal IDs amid ICE concerns

January 27, 2025

The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe has announced a new policy to increase accessibility to tribal identification cards, responding to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. The tribe is waiving fees for issuing or replacing IDs for a limited time and implementing expedited services for out-of-state members. As part of this initiative, the tribe encourages all members to carry their Tribal IDs and provides alternatives like a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) for those without immediate access to official IDs.

For more information, contact the Tribal Enrollment Office at (605) 698-3911.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Founder and Editor in Chief

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.