In a significant blow to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, six out of the nine Native American reservations in the state have voted to ban her from entering their territories. The Yankton Sioux Tribe added their voice to the recent wave of tribal bans on the Republican leader, citing her controversial comments as the reason for their decision. With most tribes within the state now barring her entry, Governor Noem is effectively unable to access over 90% of the state's tribal lands, encompassing more than 16% of South Dakota's total landmass.

The bans come in response to remarks made by Governor Noem during a town hall in March, where she accused members of the tribes of being absentee parents and collaborating with drug cartels. Her comments sparked outrage among Indigenous leaders who condemned her statements as baseless and divisive. Tribal leaders have expressed their commitment to honoring the voices of their people and taking action to protect their values and prevent further marginalization of their nations.

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Council issued a statement earlier this week after their own ban vote, emphasizing the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue but also implementing measures that safeguard their communities. Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council Janet Alkire criticized Governor Noem's fear-based politics and urged her to work with tribal leaders to enhance resources for tribal law enforcement and education.

Apart from the Yankton Sioux Tribe, other tribes that have voted to bar Governor Noem from their reservations include the Oglala, Cheyenne River, Standing Rock, and Rosebud Sioux tribes. These bans signify a rejection of Governor Noem's leadership by Indigenous communities within the state.

In response to previous ban votes, a spokesperson for Governor Noem dismissed the action, stating that it does not address the underlying problem. The spokesperson called upon all tribal leaders to join forces in banishing drug cartels from tribal lands instead.

This latest development adds to Governor Noem's recent challenges and a souring national reputation. Her memoir, No Going Back, has faced controversy over a now-removed claim of meeting Kim Jong Un and a story about shooting a misbehaving farm dog. These incidents have further diminished her status as a rising star in national politics.

The bans placed on Governor Noem by the Native American reservations in South Dakota highlight the growing divide between her and Indigenous communities within the state. The governor now faces an uphill battle in restoring trust and rebuilding relationships with tribal leaders, as she navigates the fallout from her controversial remarks and the scrutiny surrounding her memoir.