In a significant blow to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, all nine tribes in the state have now banned her following her contentious remarks about Native Americans. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe was the final tribe to take action, joining the others in prohibiting Noem from their respective lands. The tribes cited her comments accusing Native Americans of collusion with Mexican cartels and neglecting their children's education as the reasons for their banishment.

Even before the ban by the final three tribes, Noem was already barred from approximately 20% of her state. The decision to banish her came after a meeting between Flandreau leadership and Noem, described as "respectful and productive" by the Argus Leader. Tyler Rambeau, the executive administrative assistant of the FSST Homeowners Assistance Fund, revealed that community pressure had played a role in the tribe's decision to ban Noem. Rambeau emphasized the importance of solidarity among the tribes, expressing the desire not to be on the wrong side of history in this moment.

As part of the tribe's formal announcement, Noem was given an opportunity to respond. She stated that she did not intend to cause offense with her comments and expressed her determination to work towards safer communities, improved education, and reduced addiction rates. Noem's plea for partnership and setting an example for all was included in her statement.

Out of the nine tribal governments in South Dakota, only the Yankton Sioux Tribe has not formally banned Noem from their land. However, the tribe's Business and Claims Committee expressed unanimous support for the governor's punishment on May 10.

The strain between Noem and the tribal governments began on January 31 when she delivered a speech during an emergency joint session accusing the tribes of aiding Mexican drug cartels. Noem further exacerbated the situation in March when she insinuated, without evidence, that tribal leaders were personally benefiting from the cartels. These comments sparked a chain reaction of tribal votes to ban the governor from their lands, with the Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe also joining in May.

By mid-May, Noem found herself excluded from 20% of the state she governs. However, she argued that being banished does nothing to address the problems or alleviate the suffering caused by drug-related tragedies. Noem's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Additionally, Noem's strained relationship with the South Dakota tribes coincided with backlash she faced for her book, which included a controversial account of killing a young hunting dog. She has since requested her publisher to remove an anecdote about a supposed meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Political observers speculate that the negative attention surrounding Noem and her controversies may have damaged her chances of being considered as former President Donald Trump's running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Cal Jillson, a political analyst, remarked that chaos created by someone other than Trump detracts attention from the former President himself.

Overall, the banishment by all nine tribes in South Dakota represents a significant setback for Governor Noem's standing among the Native American communities and raises questions about her political future.