The Santee Sioux Nation announced its acquisition of five acres of land on Highway 81 in South Yankton, Nebraska, in trust. The process of acquiring the land took nearly two decades but became official in late November.
According to the nation’s press release, the designation of the land as trust land means it is now under the exclusive jurisdiction of the nation and the United States, bearing the designation of “Indian Country” under federal law.
According to tribe officials, the Santee Sioux Nation was displaced from its ancestral lands in Minnesota following the Minnesota Uprising of 1862, which led to the execution of 40 Dakota men — the largest judicially sanctioned mass execution of Native Americans in U.S. history. The tribe was later established in Knox County, Nebraska, in 1863.
Following significant loss of ancestral land, Tribal Chairman Alonzo Denney said the nation is using the land to pursue self-sufficiency through economic growth.
“Today marks a monumental day in the history of our nation. After over 150 years of enduring the involuntary loss of our territory, the nation has acquired land for the purpose of pursuing self-sufficiency through economic development,” Denney said.
Vice Chair Kameron Runnels said the nation has historically struggled with unemployment, but has experienced consistent economic growth through past and present leadership. He described the land acquisition as a milestone in the nation’s ongoing progress.
"There weren't many jobs here. I think there might have been 60%, 70%, 80% unemployment at one time back in the early ’90s,” Runnels said. “Fast-forwarding to today, it's just a huge accomplishment. And we have to also recognize those past tribal leaders, who had the vision and foresight to purchase this property and begin this process."
The five acres currently house the nation’s Shop EZ convenience store and fuel plaza, as well as a branch of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank. Runnels said there are preliminary plans to improve the existing businesses on the property.
The nation will hold a public dedication ceremony at the Shop EZ store on Highway 81 in South Yankton at 10 a.m. Dec. 11. The vice chair said the ceremony will include prayers, traditional songs, and public comments from the nation’s leaders.