2024 Legislative Session State of the Tribes The main economic driver beyond gaming is medical cannabis

PIERRE — The 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session kicked-off this week and will continue until March. First, a very brief summary Civics lesson about our form of government. It has different branches. The state legislature is a branch, is made up of persons elected by voters. The legislature performs state duties for a state in the same way the United States Congress performs national duties at the national level. These details may vary due to states’ rights and all, but for the most part, legislators ideally work all year for the people and then hold a lengthy annual session where they consider matters brought by members, lobbyists and the governor.

There are nine tribes that reside within South Dakota state boundaries. Each of the tribes in South Dakota are distinct sovereign governments. The state of South Dakota is required to consult with tribal governments and it’s in the best interest of all to maintain working and open nation to nation relationships.

The Governor of the state kicks off the South Dakota legislative session with an update on affairs, for the Body as well as the people, in the State of the State Address. In 2016, the State began to include a joint session State of the Tribes Address, delivered by a tribal leader, as part of the legislative session

This year, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Vice President Cynthia Allen-Weddell gave the address on the second day of the session. President Anthony Reider had been scheduled to give the address but was not able due to what Allen-Weddell referred to as “travel difficulties related to the economic opportunities we have with our tribe.” She made this statement after referencing the multiple international business opportunities in which her tribe is involved even though their economic base is in Moody County. She also apologized for only giving an update on her tribe, rather than all tribes as Reider had been expected to deliver.

Alan-Weddell thanked the State Tribal Relations Committee work over the summer and their efforts to visit the tribes and learn independently about their concerns. “We welcome more opportunities to collaborate with the committee and the State so please do not hesitate to reach out. The future of our Tribe depends on the Tribes’ ability to be self-sufficient, and to continue to grow the Tribes’ economy through collaboration with tribe, local, state and federal government.”

She remembered the days when the tribal government was small and had limited economic opportunities and resources but has now expanded to be a strong economic engine “that is the largest employer in Moody County.” She attributed their economic prosperity to a couple of savvy business decisions, starting with the approval and expansion of Indian Gaming.

When Indian gaming was poised for expansion, many were concerned it would erode tribal values and could weaken tribal sovereignty. Both of those things have occurred but Indian gaming has also allowed some tribes to prosper. In 2023, the American Gaming Association reported that the 11 tribal casinos in South Dakota had an economic impact of $291 million dollars, supported more than 3,000 jobs, with a tax impact and tribal revenue share of nearly $35 million dollars. In 2022, Indian gaming revenue was the highest ever with numbers totaling $41 billion dollars, according to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).

Gaming hasn’t been the economic boon for every tribe. Some tribes have more members than others and some are better geographically placed than others. Allen-Weddell said the FSST’s economic prosperity began with gaming but branched into multiple forms of business activity. She said the main economic driver beyond gaming is medical cannabis.

The Tribe has been very successful in developing and expanding its medical cannabis industry and operates a cannabis cultivation manufacturing and dispensing company, called Native Nations Cannabis. Because of their success they have assisted other tribes to develop their cannabis industries. The tribe has also been working with the Tulalip Tribe of Washington State to exchange agricultural products through an intertribal agreement. This kind of assistance and collaboration had once been an established part of tribal economies “Tribes had established trade routes for the exchange of goods”, said Allen-Weddell. “Tribes from the east coast traded with tribes in the Great Plains and goods eventually made it to the west coast and Alaska.” As Native Americans were removed to reservations much of the trade between tribes ceased. “It’s time to re-establish trade among tribes and to share expertise developed among the 574 federally recognized tribes.”

She assured that the industry is well-regulated, the company employs more than 70 Native Americans, and has helped tens of thousands of patients care for their medical needs since it opened.

Allen-Weddell recounted “many opportunities” in which the State and the Tribe worked well together. For instance, the skilled nursing home on the reservation that was developed by and through the passage of SB 160 in 2020. “The Tribe upheld its promises and built a state-of-the-art facility of 42 beds 14 of which are for memory care. The facility was built during the pandemic which was complete in October of 2022 on time and under budget. “Family members are provided a comfortable place to stay and the facility has created job opportunities on the reservation.”

It has been 45 years since the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 and this past year the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Act. Allen-Weddell called on the legislature to take the opportunity this session for the development of state statutes to protect the welfare of Native American children. She said the state should properly incorporate the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 into state statute. “Having statutory guidance will provide important stakeholders the appropriate mandates to simplify the processes for carrying out ICWA.” Allen-Weddell said. “All children should be placed in safe, culturally appropriate homes.”

She spoke briefly about the Tribe working on a large, $3-billion dollar project with the State of West Virginia to convert natural gas and coal mine methane into ammonia. The ammonia can be used to create energy contributing to the hydrogen economy or can be further processed for crop fertilizer. The Tribe will use various private, federal and other sources to develop the project.

Economic development by the Tribe has also prompted land purchases off the Reservation. The Tribe has purchased land and plans to build about 800 homes on the 320 acre site. Allen-Weddell said their housing factory in Sioux Falls can complete a house, start to finish, in weeks versus traditional construction.

She said housing development plays a massive role. Over the past few years, the Tribe has added 50 new housing opportunities for the community and has welcomed people from around the country to live and work for the Tribe “which has benefit from their experience and diversity.”

Agriculture remains a large part of the Tribe’s economy. “The Tribe echoes Governor Noem’s statement regarding the right to farm and ranch without governmental interference,” although she said the Tribe supports best practices. “As sovereigns, Tribes have extensive land and water rights, and through cooperation and consultation the State and Tribes can develop lasting solution that benefit everyone.”

One impediment continues to be the increase in crime and alcohol and drug addiction. Although not finalized yet, Allen-Weddell said the Tribe is planning to build a justice facility in Moody County on its Reservation, with an estimated price tag between $38 million and $65 million dollars, which will meet the needs of the county, city and potentially the federal government for detention.

Allen-Weddell said Dakota leaders are elected to serve the Oyate and to make decisions that look seven generations forward based on the wisdom gained from seven generations in the past.

She closed by thanking the State for the chance to deliver the address and urged the State to collaborate with the FSST and other Tribes, “to create a better South Dakota.”

(Contact Marnie Cook at staffwriter@nativesunnews.com)

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