PIERRE S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Several tribes within the state are deciding whether or not they will attend the summit.

Peter Lengkeek, Chairman of the Great Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, is planning to attend.

Those choosing not to attend include the Yankton Sioux Tribe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe. The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe’s decision is due to a previous commitment — a government-to-government meeting with North Dakota at the time of the summit.

Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Chairman Clyde Estes said the tribe would not be attending.

While the six other tribal leaders decide on attending, the timing of the summit falls on a day that may create more issues with attendance. Some South Dakota tribes hold local ceremonies or travel to the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn in Montana on the same day as the summit. The next day after the planned summit, June 25th, marks the anniversary of the falling of the 7th Cavalry and its leader, Colonel Custer.  It’s a bit like asking veterans of D-Day to meet in Pierre the day before they are to be on the beaches of France to celebrate their D-Day invasion.  It’s just not practical for those traveling.  The same is true for the Sioux, especially the Hunkpapa and Oglala nations who along with other tribes fought valiantly against Custer to protect their homes and villages back in 1876.

Attorney General Marty Jackley has a previously scheduled work commitment that coincides with the summit. Jackley’s office stated that if the previously scheduled engagement can be adjusted, he may be able to attend. Otherwise, the Attorney General’s Office, including the State Division of Criminal Investigation, will be represented by staff members at the summit.

Attorney General Jackley is scheduling personal meetings with the nine South Dakota tribes. The first one is scheduled Thursday with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in Lower Brule.

Noem’s political appointees who are invited are available to attend, like the Secretary of Tribal Relations and Secretary of Public Safety and Tribal Law Enforcement Liason, but no word as of yet from other invitees, the FBI for example.