Official Statement from President Kevin Killer regarding the vandalism of tribal signs welcoming visitors to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

 

"As President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and former member of the South Dakota legislature, I and all members of the Oglala Lakota Nation, vehemently condemn the hate-filled vandalism to the signs located on South Dakota State Highway 73, just south of Kadoka at the borderline. These signs serve as our welcoming emblems to visitors and guests of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and depict the pride we have for our culture and traditions as a sovereign nation. Over the weekend, the signs have been spray-painted with a derogatory term involving President Joseph Biden, the letters “KKK”, and a swastika painted over our tribal flag. The Oglala Lakota Nation would like those individuals responsible to be held accountable for their actions, and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As a sovereign nation within the boundaries of the State of South Dakota, the Oglala Sioux Tribe continues to extend a hand of friendship to those wanting to make a positive impact on this and future generations. We look forward to sharing our new signs welcoming visitors from around the world, shortly.”