South Dakota - Tribal Government Relations
South Dakota - Tribal Government Relations
Mission Statement Commissioner's Biography Nine Tribes of South Dakota State-Tribal Agreements History of the Office
South Dakota - Tribal Government Relations FAQ Tribal Links Tourism Contact
History of the Office

The South Dakota Tribal Government Relations Office was established to aid in securing and coordinating federal, state, and local resources to help solve Indian problems, and to serve as an advocate of the Indian people. It was originally titled the Office of Indian Affairs; this change took effect in 1995. Statue Law SDCL 1-4-1 established the office in 1949. The office is under the direction and supervision of the Governor’s Office.

The office strives to maintain an effective communication link between the nine Tribal Governments and the Governor. It nominates, whenever possible, Native American appointments to South Dakota Commissions and Boards. Also when necessary, the office introduces and supports legislation to improve the quality of life for the Tribes in the State. When requested, it supports and assists Tribal Governments with technical assistance with the cooperation and assistance of the appropriate departments of state government.

When the office was first established in 1949, it was governed by an eighteen member Commission which was made up of the nine Tribal President/Chairman, three urban Native Americans, One member from each the House and Senate, Secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Cultural Affairs, Department of Social Services and the Attorney General’s Office. The Commission was abolished in 1995.

The office also had a project called the State Indian Business Development Organization (SIBDO) which was funded by the state and the Minority Business Office. This organization was started to provide financing for Indian owned and operated businesses. This project ended in 1995.

Many times over the years the office has been called upon to play a role in resolving differences which have occurred between the Tribal Governments and the State. The office plays a vital role in ensuring that a cooperative government relationship exists between the State Government and the Tribal Government in the State of South Dakota.

Commissioners

1949 Chairman of Commission on Indian Affairs
Bishop W. Blair Roberts
Florence K. Ronald
Cato W. Valandra
J. Don Howard

1965 Coordinator of Commission on Indian Affairs
Vernon L. Ashley
Don Ludner

1976 Commissioner of Indian Affairs for State of South Dakota
Arthur Zimiga

1979 Office of Indian Affairs
Marcella Prue
Francis Whitebird
Webster Two Hawk

2003 Tribal Government Relations
Roger Campbell

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Artist
Spotlight
 2009 Custer State Park Tribal Arts Show
 
The First Annual Custer State Park Tribal Arts Show will be held May 16 & 17, 2009. This free event will be held at the Sylvan Lake Lodge Auditorium and will feature a juried art show with artist market, festival-type food vendors, awards presentation and dinner, musical performances, and cultural presentations in collaboration with many other interpretive park educational programs.

To be held during Custer State Park’s free Open House Weekend when over 20,000 people visit the park to celebrate the beginning of the summer season.  The Arts Festival begins with a juried Tribal Art Show of 30 artists displaying and selling their art in an indoor market. Renowned artists will be chosen to be part of the show by a jury of three, knowledgeable in Native American and fine arts, plus with a commitment to preserving heritage and traditions through art.

The First Annual Custer State Park Tribal Arts Show at Custer State Park will be a positive event that recognizes the importance of creativity in the lives of all South Dakotans, and creates awareness of Native American art, culture and entertainment to people of all ages, nationalities and economic backgrounds. It will also provide a new cultural tourism experience for South Dakota citizens and visitors.

The Art Show and Market will be open to the public May 16 & 17, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during the Park’s FREE Open House Weekend.  Enjoy the Art Show and Market plus Native American entertainment including Dallas Chief Eagle, Jasmine Pickner and more. An Artist Reception will be held Saturday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. featuring entertainment by Kevin Locke and Doug Good Feather.

Click Here for more information and please check back often for updates!

If you have any questions regarding authentic Indian art, please contact the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.

If you, or someone you know, would like to be a part of the Artist Spotlight, please contact Aske Whitebird.

Mission Statement : Commissioner's Biography : Nine Tribes of South Dakota : State-Tribal Agreements : History of the Office
FAQ : Tribal Links : Tourism : Contact : Site Credits

© 2004 South Dakota Office of Tribal Government Relations