Historic show of unity advances proposal to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation
In a historic demonstration of unity, all nine federally recognized Tribal nations in South Dakota have passed resolutions supporting the development of legislation to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation.
The effort marks a significant milestone in a years-long campaign led by Indigenous organizations, elders, grassroots leaders, and Tribal governments to protect sacred sites, preserve clean drinking water, and strengthen Tribal stewardship of the region.
The most recent resolution was approved by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe during a recent tribal council meeting, authorizing collaboration with the other Oceti Sakowin nations to advance draft legislation aimed at returning federally owned lands in the Black Hills.
According to supporters, the proposal remains in its early stages and would apply only to federal lands. It would not affect privately owned property and would not resolve or alter the Great Sioux Nation’s claims under the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty.
Advocates say the legislation would establish a framework for Tribal management of returned lands while protecting the Black Hills from extractive industries. Organizers note that South Dakota currently has approximately 8,800 active mining claims, covering about 17 percent of the Black Hills.
“The Oceti Sakowin people are coming together to claim the land that is rightfully and legally owed to us,” said Cheyenne River Sioux elder Madonna Thunder Hawk. “We are here to say, loud and clear, that the Black Hills are not for sale. We love our land and will continue defending it—from Pe’ Sla to Craven Canyon and beyond.”
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe District 5 Council Representative Joseph Brings Plenty Sr. said the campaign reflects the legacy of Lakota resistance and the importance of collective action.
“Crazy Horse set the bar on how to move as Indigenous people, and how important it is to defend the Black Hills,” Brings Plenty said. “Together, we are strong—we need to be stronger than ever because we are fighting for an existence on our very own land.”
Supporters argue that returning federal lands would help preserve drinking water resources, protect culturally significant sites, revitalize traditional relationships with the land, strengthen Tribal sovereignty, improve community well-being, and create opportunities for economic development.
Wizipan Garriott, president of NDN Collective and a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, described the unanimous resolutions as a landmark achievement.
“All nine Tribes in South Dakota passing official resolutions of support and a collective call for action is historic,” Garriott said. “The people have spoken, and this marks a significant milestone on our journey toward better land management, strengthening our economy, and ensuring clean drinking water for all.”
Oglala Lakota spiritual leader Richard Moves Camp, a member of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Council, emphasized the importance of protecting the region for future generations.
“The Oceti Sakowin stands united in our effort to protect our sacred land for future generations,” Moves Camp said. “We are committed to defending our way of life together.”
Russell Eagle Bear, Sicangu Lakota elder and presidential cultural liaison for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, said the movement extends beyond legal or economic considerations.
“The ability to live with and care for our land is essential to our collective healing,” Eagle Bear said. “The fight for the Black Hills to be returned to its rightful stewards is not only a material one, but also a spiritual one.”
Organizers have been building support for the proposed legislation since 2020, framing the return of federal lands in the Black Hills as both an environmental protection measure and a step toward restoring Indigenous stewardship of one of the most sacred landscapes in Lakota history.
