Bismarck, ND – Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairwoman Janet Alkire delivered a powerful State of the Tribes address Tuesday, setting the tone for the legislative session by highlighting the critical needs of Native communities in North Dakota. Her speech focused on several areas, including infrastructure, healthcare, community security, youth education, and law enforcement.

As the session began, Alkire called for increased attention to the state’s educational policies, urging lawmakers to work alongside tribal leaders to ensure that the outcomes of education bills benefit all children. “We want to work with you to ensure the outcomes are in the best interest of all children. I know we agree that the children of our state deserve the best opportunities we can provide for them,” she said. This collaborative approach reflects the ongoing effort to improve educational outcomes for Native youth, who face unique challenges in accessing quality resources.

In addition to education, Alkire pressed for funding to support law enforcement training, recognizing the significant disparities in resources available to tribes. She also rallied support for a proposed bill aimed at creating alerts for missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP). The issue of MMIP has become an urgent concern, with Alkire describing it as an “epidemic.” She pointed out that most tribes are severely underserved, with inadequate funding and staffing, leading to higher rates of violent crimes and criminal activities compared to non-Native areas.

“For those of you who don’t understand the seriousness of MMIP, it is of epidemic proportions,” Alkire stated. “Most tribes are underserved due to underfunding, and as a result, violent crimes are much higher than in non-native areas, which have adequate funding and adequate staffing.” This stark contrast in resources and support is one of the key challenges facing Native communities, particularly when it comes to ensuring safety and justice for Indigenous people.

Alkire, who was elected chairwoman of the Standing Rock tribe in 2021, has consistently advocated for policies that address these pressing issues. Her address underscored her commitment to ensuring that Native communities receive the attention and support they need from state and federal lawmakers. As the legislative session progresses, Alkire’s call for action on infrastructure, education, and public safety serves as a reminder of the urgent needs that continue to impact Indigenous peoples in North Dakota.