So much for being a sovereign nation
Gov. Kristi Noem sent letters Friday to the leaders of both the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe demanding that checkpoints designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus on tribal land be removed, the governor’s office said in a statement.
“We are strongest when we work together; this includes our battle against Covid-19,” Noem said. “I request that the tribes immediately cease interfering with or regulating traffic on US and State Highways and remove all travel checkpoints.”
“We are strongest when we work together therefore I am telling the tribes to stop protecting themselves from the virus.” I guess the virus if it doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?
In response, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Harold Frazier said in a news release Friday that while he agreed it’s important to work together, “you continuing to interfere in our efforts to do what science and facts dictate seriously undermine our ability to protect everyone on the reservation.”
And if you think about it it’s not really “working together,” now is it. It’s “you do what I say.”
“Ignorant statements and fiery rhetoric encourage individuals already under stress from this situation to carry out irrational actions,” he said. “We invite you to join us in protecting the lives of our people and those that live on this reservation. I regretfully decline your request.”
The governor is the one who’s been bungling the Smithfield disaster, too. Take the road blocks down! Open up the meatpacking plant where all those infections happened!
According to Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe checkpoint policies posted on its social media, its reservation residents may travel within South Dakota to areas the state has not deemed a Covid-19 “hotspot” if it’s for an essential activity such as medical appointments or to get supplies unavailable on the reservation. But they must complete a health questionnaire when they leave and when they return every time they go through a checkpoint.
Those who don’t live on the rez can’t visit except for a very good reason, and then they have to fill out a health questionnaire.
Both tribes have also issued strict stay-at-home orders and curfews for their communities. Noem has not issued stay-at-home orders for the state.
The tribes are being more reasonable and cautious than the governor. She’s threatened to take them to court if they don’t obey.
IANAL, but it was my understanding that with the exception of major crimes (like murder), tribes have absolute sovereignty on their lands. They don’t even have to allow those roadways to *remain*, much less remain open.
But is that REEEEEEALLY going to stop whitey telling them what to do anyway?
Wouldn’t be the first time the US has broken treaties with native tribes and intentionally or not infected them with disease would it. I’m just surprised the Governor didn’t include a ‘gift’ of old hospital blankets along with the letter.
Rob, you said that in jest I am sure, and yet…
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/native-american-health-center-asked-covid-19-supplies-they-got-n1200246
Holms, perhaps said in “jest”.
That article literally sent a chill down my spine. Not the good kind.
Well, many people, lots of people, I would say all of them, though not all of them would admit it agree that our reservations have yuge ICU capacities. The best. Perfect, just like the transcript was perfect.