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Governor says state-tribal talks improving; law-enforcement shortages and training are priorities
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Summary
The governor described an impromptu meeting with tribal leaders from eight of nine tribes, called communication the top priority, and highlighted a shortage of tribal law enforcement, ongoing joint training and pending legislation to align tribal officers’ legal standing.
The governor described an impromptu meeting after a "state of the tribes" address in which "we packed this room" with six tribal chairmen and representatives from eight of nine tribes. He called the turnout "encouraging" and said the group engaged in more than an hour of give-and-take.
The governor said the most important element is "effective communications" and that the administration has lined up further meetings, including with the Cheyenne River Sioux chairman. He identified a shortage of tribal law enforcement officers as a pressing issue and said the state has taken steps to assist, including tribal officers training alongside state officers and legislation under consideration to change the legal definition of law enforcement so reservation officers have comparable standing.
The governor said some tribal requests were nonnegotiable — citing fireworks at Mount Rushmore as an example he had declined — but described the overall tone as constructive.
Next steps: the governor said additional meetings are scheduled and that pending legislation addressing law-enforcement definitions remains in the legislative process.
