A federal judge on Monday granted a temporary restraining order halting exploratory drilling near the sacred Lakota site of Pe’ Sla in the Black Hills of South Dakota, marking an early legal victory for tribal nations and Indigenous activists seeking to protect the area from mining activity.
The ruling temporarily bans drilling for 14 days while the lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service proceeds. A hearing on a preliminary injunction is tentatively scheduled for May 20-21, 2026, where the broader merits of the case will be argued in federal court.
The lawsuit, brought by tribal nations and Indigenous-led organizations, challenges federal approval of exploratory graphite drilling near Pe’ Sla, a site considered sacred by the Oceti Sakowin. Advocates argue the project threatens ceremonial lands, clean water, wildlife habitat, and treaty-protected cultural resources.
“This is a huge win for the people, for tribal nations and for all those who believe in clean water and protecting Mother Earth,” said Wizipan Garriott, president of NDN Collective. “We’ve successfully stopped drilling and ongoing harm for at least the next two weeks. This restraining order gives us an opportunity to prepare for the preliminary injunction hearing where the merits of the full case will be argued later this month. This is the first big step in this fight to protect Pe’ Sla and clean drinking water for all.”
The temporary restraining order follows weeks of organizing and direct action led by Indigenous “treaty defenders” and supporters camped near the site. Demonstrators established the Pe’ Sla Protector Camp and staged prayer ceremonies and protests aimed at preventing drilling equipment from entering the area.
“As a mother and an auntie, this is a big win for future generations, the land, and the water,” said Valeriah Big Eagle. “This victory would not be possible without all the support from the people including our elders and spiritual leaders. This was a true community effort. To all those who supported the Pe’ Sla Protector Camp, if online or in person, we are so grateful for your support. This win would not have been possible without you, Wóphila.”
Pe’ Sla, located in the Black Hills, is one of the most sacred ceremonial landscapes for Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples. The legal battle over the site has become one of the highest-profile Indigenous land protection fights in the country this year as tribes continue efforts to stop industrial development near the sacred area.
