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

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.