STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

OFFTCE OF THE GOVERNOR

KRISTI NOEM GOVERNOR

April 27, 2020

The Honorable Harold Frazier
Chairman, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
P.O. Box 590

Eagle Butte, South Dakota 57625

Dear Chairman Frazier,

In response to your April 26, 2020 letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Daryl LaCounte, 
write to publicly correct the mischaracterization of my position as well as the State of South Dakota?s.

It is not accurate to say that you consulted with me or the State of South Dakota to enter an
understanding or agreement about the checkpoints the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe?s (CRST) has erected
on state and US. highways.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) has acted swiftly to address a list of safety
issues, but it should be noted that actions are in direct response to checkpoints. Because
CRST failed to appropriately plan for the public?s safety, it was the South Dakota DOT that had to take
action to protect the safety of all drivers. That does not constitute ?consultation.?

I am aware ofthe statements you made on April 21, 2020 on a call with the BIA Regional Director in
which you expressed that you had no intent of working with the state. Regrettably, that is what has

transpired.

In an effort to expedite CRST consultation with the State, I have included Director LaCounte on this
letter. We stand ready to work together to keep the Tribe as well as all South Dakotans safe during this
unprecedented time.

Sincerely,

Isti Noem
Governor

cc. Director, Daryl LaCounte, Bureau of Indian Affairs

STATE CAPITOL 500 EAST CAPITOL PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA 605.773.3212