Flandreau Sioux Tribe Lifts Ban on Gov. Noem

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe has lifted its banishment of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, following her apology for comments deemed offensive regarding tribal members and their education. In a letter, tribe president Anthony Reider informed Noem of the decision, which coincides with her nomination as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by President-elect Donald Trump. Previously, all nine South Dakota tribes had banned Noem after her remarks implied that tribal leaders benefited from cartel activities and criticized the support for tribal children. The tribe's executive committee expressed confidence in Noem's future endeavors and wished her well in her upcoming confirmation hearing. The lifting of the ban is seen as a step towards mending relations between Noem and the tribes, particularly after her efforts to address the concerns raised by tribal leaders. This decision marks a significant turn in the governor's standing with the tribal community after a tumultuous year.