Nine Native American Tribes Sue Forest Service Over Drilling in Sacred Black Hills Meadow
"This is a historic demonstration of unity." — Frank Star Comes Out, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe
Nine Native American tribes have filed a federal lawsuit in South Dakota against the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The lawsuit alleges that federal agencies violated the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act by approving a graphite exploratory drilling project near Pe'Sla, a sacred meadow in the central Black Hills used for tribal ceremonies and cultural activities for over 2,000 years.
The Project in Question
The drilling is being carried out by Pete Lien & Sons, a Rapid City-based mining company. The company plans to drill up to 18 holes, each reaching a depth of approximately 1,000 feet.
The Forest Service granted a permit in February without conducting an environmental review, citing a categorical exclusion based on the project's short duration (less than one year) and its expected lack of impact on environmental and cultural sites. Tribal opponents strongly dispute that these conditions were met.
Ongoing Protests and Legal Action
In addition to the lawsuit, NDN Collective and other environmental groups have filed a request for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to halt the project.
Demonstrators have been protesting at the drilling site since late April. On Thursday, protests successfully blocked access to two drilling pads. NDN Collective reported that drilling was paused for the rest of that day and contractors were sent home.
The Sacred History of the Black Hills
- The Black Hills, known as He Sapa to Sioux tribes, is considered sacred and has been used for ceremonies for over 2,000 years.
- Parts of Pe'Sla are owned by Sioux tribes, purchased in 2012, 2015, and 2018.
- A two-mile buffer zone on public lands around the site was established by agreement between the tribes and the Forest Service.
- The region has a deep history of mining, including the 1870s gold rush that displaced Native Americans. Recent rising gold prices have spurred renewed mining interest.
"Lakota people have been praying and holding ceremonies at these places for over 2,000 years. We must protect these sacred sites for future generations." — Wizipan Garriott, President of NDN Collective, member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Official Responses
- The Forest Service declined to comment on the project, stating it does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings.
- Pete Lien & Sons did not respond to requests for comment.