Opinion

Biden’s administration continuing to help put dollars into our state


Week nine Hello neighbors, relatives, and friends alike. Reporting from the Capitol on my last week in Pierre of the 99th legislative session. We usually resort to all sorts of ways to do our work timely and according to calendar about this time of session. I have seen us cover the clock to debate and continue to work on negotiations […]

Gladstone showcases creations of Indigenous designers and artisans on the red carpet

Many natives watched with pride, as Lily Gladstone, of Siksikaitsitapi and Nimiipuu heritage, strolled onto the Red Carpet at the Oscars in a strapless midnight blue velvet gown with a long midnight blue velvet cape flowing behind her. True to her word, the “Killers of the Flower Moon” actress showcased indigenous designs and artistry. The top of the bodice of […]

Chili Cook Off Queen report


Sometimes, news from Northern Cheyenne is a little dreary such as impeachment attempts on the Tribal President and so forth. As a journalist, it is an obligation to report such things. Thus, my columns focus on more light-hearted topics to provide a little balance. The Cheyenne also like fun and good news. Each year, the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Health Department […]

Tribes struggle to bring economic activity to their communities


Week 8 Hello neighbors, relatives, and friends alike.  Reporting from the Capitol on my seventh week in Pierre of the 99th legislative session. We are deliberating over the few remaining bills left on our calendar for the session, most of which are appropriation bills.  The biggest appropriation we are debating over is SB144, a $19.5m request to use for grants […]

A challenging situation on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation


Once again, politics has reared an ugly and mean face on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. The Tribal Council recently enacted a resolution calling for a hearing to remove Tribal President, Serena Wetherfelt, scheduled for March 5, 2024. The reasons for the proposed impeachment/removal have not been made immediately clear to the tribal membership. It has something to do with a […]

‘Praying for Palestine’


My son called me last night completely frustrated with what is happening in Palestine. It makes him crabby and he is cranky at his daughter and grandsons. That is not what he wants. I always tell him to call me and vent. My son is one of the old kind of men that feels the pain in the world, not […]

Noem family live on government dollars

Why does Kristi Noem tell her supporters that the government can’t help them? She gets millions of dollars and defends it by saying it’s necessary and is not a bailout. On cue, they get angry when she tells them that government is a big waste. She openly displays hostility to her basic obligations of public service. And they don’t care. […]

Noem refuses to return tribal flag after tribal council voted for its return

By Representative Shawn Bordeaux SD House District 26   Hello neighbors, relatives, and friends alike. Reporting from the Capitol on my seventh week in Pierre of the 99th legislative session. We wrap up in the next two weeks. The big debate this past week was on SB201, the carbon pipeline proposed across the northeast part of the state. I voted […]

‘I will if you will’


  February 25 was Lemuel “Butch” Small’s 77th birthday, him Northern Cheyenne and cowboy to the bone. In our Tribe, reaching that age is somewhat unusual, too many going on to “Next Camp” before that milestone. But, many of the Smalls have been long-lived, too tough or ornery to give up young. When calling to wish Butch Happy Birthday, I […]

When is an honor not an honor?


  South Dakota legislators appear to be in conflict with themselves. They are introducing a Concurrent Resolution to acknowledge and honor the Native American children who were survivors of the boarding schools in this state.  Here is that resolution: WHEREAS, beginning in the latter part of the nineteenth century, Native American children were often involuntarily sent to boarding schools far […]


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