Dewey County Democratic Party supports Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe motion to intervene in Noem vs. Haaland fireworks lawsuit
EAGLE BUTTE – The Dewey County Democratic Party applauds the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Tribal Chairman Harold Frazier for filing to intervene in the lawsuit between Governor Kristi Noem and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland regarding a permit for fireworks at Mount Rushmore this summer.
Last month, Gov. Noem filed a lawsuit asking a judge to order the Department of Interior to issue a permit for an Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore. Tribes have vehemently opposed fireworks displays but the governor claimed in her lawsuit that Tribes were invited to consultation. Consultation does not equal consent. Tribes have said no, but the governor chose to ignore the voices of sovereign nations and continued with her lawsuit, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill.
Dewey County is located entirely on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation with all Dewey County Democratic Party leadership composed of American Indian Tribal Citizens. Paha Sapa (Black Hills) is sacred to many Indigenous Nations and we join in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s declaration that Mount Rushmore is located on sacred land, the Heart of Everything That Is.
The Dewey County Democratic Party applauds Chairman Frazier’s leadership, for standing with Indigenous people, and for amplifying the important message of protecting Unci Maka (Mother Earth). We urge Gov. Noem to communicate and work with Tribes rather than speak at, or worse, speak for Tribal Nations. We also urge the governor to improve State and Tribal relations and to stop using publicity stunts to divide us.
There is much work that needs to be done such as improving transportation infrastructure and taking advantage to build back better; increasing teachers’ pay instead of attacking educators and forcing them to whitewash history; developing an equitable economy that builds on the diversity and strengths of all people; expanding Medicaid and improving healthcare within South Dakota; honoring the people’s vote for medical and recreational marijuana use… these are just some issues that Gov. Noem should be working on instead of grandstanding and filing dubious lawsuits for personal gain.
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May 27, 2021