Yankton Sioux citizen Valeriah Big Eagle announces Rapid City Council bid

Valeriah Big Eagle, an Ihaƞktoƞwaƞ Dakota and Nakota woman from the Yankton Sioux Tribe, announced her campaign for the Ward 4 seat on the Rapid City Council in South Dakota, according to ICT. If elected, she would be the only Native woman currently serving on the council and the second Native person overall, joining Rosebud Sioux Tribe citizen Lance Lehmann.

Big Eagle said she aims to improve access to affordable housing, mental health resources and food security. She lives in Ward 4, a predominately Native area and food desert, and serves on boards for He Sapa Otipi and Oaye Luta Okolakiciye, organizations focused on community healing and development. The election is scheduled for June 2026.