(This article mentions the pipeline. I know a lot of them don't like Trump because of it.)

South Dakota Gov. Noem, tribes in virus checkpoints standoff

Noem's uncomfortable relationship with tribes dates to her first year in office, in 2018. Noem, mindful of the tumultuous, costly and sometimes violent demonstrations in neighboring North Dakota over the Dakota Access pipeline, pushed the Legislature to pass laws that heightened penalties for violent protest against the Keystone XL pipeline.

Though portions of the laws were tossed out by a court, Noem successfully pushed through modified versions earlier this year.

Pending construction on the Keystone XL in coming months may be one reason the roadblocks are becoming an issue. The highways that the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe are monitoring connect to several potential construction sites of the proposed pipeline route, which skirts tribal lands. Noem's office didn't immediately respond to a question of whether the Keystone project is a factor.

Remí Bald Eagle, a spokesman for the tribe, said it has a policy of not allowing vehicles from any oil company on the reservation and with the checkpoints set up, they would stop those vehicles.

Bear Runner, the Oglala Sioux leader, asked Noem in an April 23 letter to block Keystone construction during the pandemic.

State Sen. Troy Heinert, a Democrat from Mission, said Noem's ultimatum threatens to worsen the state's relationship with tribes.

Several lawmakers who represent Native American communities wrote to Noem over the weekend criticizing her ultimatum and saying they could have set up a conversation that took into account the history, culture and protocols for working with tribal governments.

“Everybody's on edge already and this does not help,” Heinert said.

https://www.startribune.com/south-dakota-gov-noem-tribes-in-virus-checkpoints-standoff/570384342/