Native Issues
Tribal Leadership
Oct 9, 2025

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe ushers in newly elected chair and council members

Inauguration attendees honor outgoing tribal leaders


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.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe members and government officials gathered at the Prairie Knights Casino & Resort for the 2025 Inauguration of Chairman Steve Sitting Bear and other newly elected council members. The event celebrated tribal sovereignty, unity and tradition, Cannon Ball, North Dakota, Oct. 8, 2025.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe members and government officials gathered at the Prairie Knights Casino & Resort for the 2025 Inauguration of Chairman Steve Sitting Bear and other newly elected council members. The event celebrated tribal sovereignty, unity and tradition, Cannon Ball, North Dakota, Oct. 8, 2025. (Photo Buffalo’s Fire/Gabrielle Nelson)
October 9, 2025