Standing Rock Sioux Tribe ushers in newly elected chair and council members
Inauguration attendees honor outgoing tribal leaders
Environment Reporter
On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe held its 2025 Inauguration for newly elected Chairman Steve Sitting Bear and several council members at the Prairie Knights Casino & Resort in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Friends, family, tribal members and government officials also honored retiring Chairwoman Janet Alkire, the tribe’s first enrolled woman to hold the position of chair, along with other outgoing council members and past tribal leaders.
Alkire told Buffalo’s Fire she never thought she’d step into the role of chairwoman four years ago, but “the Creator put her there” to serve with truth and compassion. She said she’s now ready to retire, and thinks the tribe’s future is in good hands with Chairman Sitting Bear.
Help us keep the fire burning, make a donation to Buffalo’s Fire
For everyone who cares about transparency in Native affairs: We exist to illuminate tribal government. Our work bridges the gap left by tribal-controlled media and non-Native, extractive journalism, providing the insights necessary for truly informed decision-making and a better quality of life. 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. Cancel anytime.