Forum, 12-10: Meade County ignores Indian traditions

By Nancy Kile, from Sturgis. | Saturday, December 10, 2005

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STURGIS - In response to the Journal's Nov. 27 editorial, I wanted to express what I have learned about land use planning in Meade County. Tradition is important to people here. County land use plans drafted across the state of South Dakota cite custom, culture and tradition as important components of establishing land use. The tradition of private property rights in Meade county means that it has become a habit to allow people to do what they want to with the property they own.

Some folks believe zoning is a trap that separates control from ownership. What irony when viewed from the First Nation perspective.

European traditions of feudalism grant governing power to the few lords who hold title to the largest tracts of land. It must have been assumed by all the people that the lords would respect the culture and traditions of the workers (vassals) that inhabited "his" lands. In Sturgis and throughout the area a tradition of entrepreneurship is esteemed for bringing economic viability to our region. Going bust or striking it rich are results of a gambling tradition established in the recent history of the Black Hills. Be it mining industry, livestock and farming productions, in these parts a gamble is still a gamble which can turn out to be a subsidized buyout for more than a few.

Some Meade County landowners who come from a tradition of ranching are dealing out the cards for the chance at a winning hand within the adult entertainment industry and alcohol consumption traditions popular to American society. Adult entertainment in the United States alone is a $10 billion industry. Flood the pastures with people instead of cattle, pull in the cash and be glad when most of the rally tourists go away after a long, hot month. The rally industry has become a visitor that annually leaves more lawless havoc for area taxpayers and riches for a few.

The culture and traditions of Native Americans and public land advocates continue to be discounted in Meade County. Northern Cheyenne, Rosebud Sioux and the Lower Brule Sioux Tribes own substantial tracts of land around Bear Butte. Lands placed in trust designated for American Indian peoples lie adjacent to Bear Butte. There are many other acres of designated public lands in the vicinity of Sturgis as well.

I've heard people say that negating the different values of land use in Meade County happens because people do not care. It is not because people don't care, folks care a lot. The custom that steers the disrespect in Meade County clearly expresses to American Indian cultural advocates that our differing land use values do not share an equal voice in the land use planning conversations.

Sometimes staying stuck in old habits (traditions) becomes harmful. It can be said that these customs stay in place due to laziness which then creates stagnation. Hanging on to familiar traditions of government from European motherlands is understandable human behavior. Travelers want to feel safe and secure.

Native American people are returning to traditional cultural practices. Those who work at raising families and thrive in predominantly white communities on ancestral homelands also deserve to feel safe and secure. Respect for human rights is a principle that should be fully supported within all the traditions of Meade County.

I can say I have felt embarrassed that my neighbors, some Meade County residents, have been insensitive to Native American religious traditions. But I will never say that I am ashamed of any one of us, white or Indian, who continues to push through the labor pains of a young American effort toward fairness and freedom. I look forward to seeing all of you who are interested at a diversely seated, level governing table.