For more than a century, the fight over the Black Hills, or “He Sapa”, has been one of the most significant unresolved disputes in Indian Country. Now, something remarkable has happened.
All nine tribes in South Dakota have passed resolutions supporting the development of federal legislation that could return roughly 1.2 million acres of federally managed Black Hills land to the Oceti Sakowin.
But what would that actually mean? Would land be transferred back to tribes? What happens to existing communities? And why are tribal leaders pursuing legislation now?
On this week’s episode of Native Bidaské, host Levi Rickert sits down with Dr. Valeria Big Eagle (Ihanktonwan Nakota/Hunkpati Dakota), director of He Sapa Initiatives at NDN Collective, to explore the growing Land Back movement in the Black Hills and what supporters say is at stake.
Tune into Native Bidaské to hear more.
Their conversation examines the history behind the Black Hills dispute, the threats tribal leaders see facing the region today, and why advocates believe this moment could represent a turning point in a generations-long struggle for justice.
The Black Hills have never been about land.
They are about sovereignty, stewardship, identity, and the future of one of the most sacred places in Indigenous America.
Watch the full episode of Native Bidaské on Friday, June 12th at 12 PM ET on YouTube, NativeNewsOnline.net, and TikTok.
Watch past Bidaské episodes here.
This Bidaské episode is brought to you by the American Indian College Fund. Founded in 1989, the American Indian College Fund is the nation’s largest Native-led and Native-serving charity dedicated to expanding access to higher education for American Indian and Alaska Native students. The College Fund provides scholarships and programmatic support to help students graduate and thrive in their chosen careers. It also supports the 34 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) across the country. The centerpiece of the campaign is a powerful tribute video told from students’ perspectives that celebrates learning in community, preserving identity, and realizing dreams. To watch the video and support the American Indian College Fund’s mission, visit: https://collegefund.org/becauseofyou/.
