Rosebud Sioux Tribe President Kathleen Woodenknife used this year’s State of the Tribes address to press South Dakota lawmakers for structural changes in how the state works with tribal governments, with a focus on healthcare delivery, law enforcement authority, and regular government-to-government consultation Tuesday.
Woodenknife grounded her remarks in treaties, the South Dakota Constitution, and recent federal actions, arguing that tribal priorities are legal obligations rather than symbolic gestures.
“In the spirit of reconciliation, we call upon the governor and the state legislature to engage with our Sioux Nation tribes on the basis of government-to-government relations with open, honest, and respectful dialogue to find mutually beneficial solutions for shared concerns,” Woodenknife said.
She called for quarterly meetings between tribal governments, the governor, and the Legislature, citing federal consultation models as a standard South Dakota should follow.
The most detailed proposal involved tribal-managed healthcare under Medicaid. Woodenknife said tribes are pursuing managed-care systems that could improve access to care while lowering state costs.
“And with our tribal government status, we can secure 100 percent FMAP, federal reimbursement for Native healthcare under Medicaid,” she said.
Woodenknife said tribally operated healthcare systems in other states have improved patient access and reduced wait times, while bringing new federal dollars into local systems.
Public safety was another central theme. Woodenknife urged lawmakers to support legislation recognizing tribal police officers under state law, pointing to severe staffing shortages on reservations.
“Among our Sioux Nation tribes, we have one officer per 1,000 people, while America has 3.5 officers per 1,000 people on average,” she said.
She said recognition of tribal officers would strengthen public safety statewide, not just on reservations.
Woodenknife also urged lawmakers to continue honoring the Indian Child Welfare Act, support equal funding for Native foster parents, expand access to education funding, and consult tribes on water infrastructure, energy development, and transportation safety.
She closed by emphasizing that cooperation benefits the entire state.
“As elected leaders, we must take this opportunity to lead state-tribal relations in a positive manner through increased consultation, mutual respect, and consideration of mutually beneficial solutions to our shared concerns,” Woodenknife said.
