Part 1.10 – Modern Governance and Tribal Sovereignty

Carrying the Nation Forward

Despite centuries of broken treaties, forced assimilation, and external interference, the Oglala Sioux Tribe has maintained a living, evolving system of governance that reflects both ancient Lakota values and the demands of a modern world. Today, the Oglala Sioux Tribe exercises its inherent sovereignty through its own government, courts, police forces, and institutions, continuing a tradition of self-rule that has existed for generations.

The story of modern governance is a testament to the endurance and adaptability of the Oglala Nation.

The 1935 Constitution: Rebuilding in a New Era

Following the devastating impacts of allotment, assimilation policies, and land dispossession, the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of 1934 offered tribes a pathway to reestablish formal governments. In 1935, the Oglala Sioux Tribe ratified its Constitution and By-Laws, establishing a tribal government recognized by the United States.

The Constitution established:

• A Tribal Council composed of elected representatives from nine Districts
• An Executive Branch led by a Tribal President and Vice-President
• A Judiciary Branch to interpret tribal laws and adjudicate disputes

While the IRA Constitution was shaped by federal templates, the Oglala Sioux Tribe worked hard to infuse traditional Lakota governance principles into the new system.

Districts and Communities: Local Self-Governance

The Pine Ridge Reservation is divided into nine Districts, each functioning like a county with its own local government and elected officials. Within these Districts are multiple Communities, such as the Wakpamni Lake Community, each with its own leadership.

This structure mirrors traditional tiospaye (extended family group) governance, where leadership was local, consensus-driven, and tied to familial and spiritual obligations.

Tribal Sovereignty Today

Tribal sovereignty means the right to self-govern—to make laws, levy taxes, administer justice, and manage lands without external interference. For the Oglala Sioux Tribe, sovereignty is both a legal right and a sacred responsibility.

Today, the Tribe manages:

• Criminal and civil courts
• Law enforcement agencies
• Economic development corporations
• Health, education, and social service programs

The Tribe also engages with federal, state, and private entities on a nation-to-nation basis, often invoking treaty rights during negotiations.

Challenges to Sovereignty

Despite its recognized status, Oglala sovereignty faces many challenges:

• Jurisdictional confusion between federal, tribal, and state governments
• Chronic underfunding of tribal programs by the U.S. government
• Economic limitations caused by remote geography and historical dispossession

Nonetheless, the Tribe continues to assert its sovereignty through legislation, court rulings, and the creation of independent tribal enterprises.

Recent Advances and Future Directions

In recent years, the Oglala Sioux Tribe has expanded its role in:

• Renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind initiatives
• Healthcare sovereignty through tribal health programs
• Economic diversification with tribally owned businesses
• Cultural preservation initiatives, including language and history programs

There is also a growing movement to amend the 1935 Constitution to reflect more traditional forms of governance and decolonize political structures.

Conclusion: Sovereignty is Life

For the Oglala Lakota, sovereignty is not just about governance—it is about survival. It is about preserving our culture, protecting our people, and securing our future.

The modern government of the Oglala Sioux Tribe stands as a continuation of a legacy that stretches back to the councils around sacred fires, to the camps of Sitting Bull and Red Cloud, and to the prayers of generations yet unborn.

Sovereignty is not given. It is lived.

External Resources

• Official Oglala Sioux Tribe Website
• Bureau of Indian Affairs – Tribal Governance Resources
• Native American Rights Fund – Sovereignty Cases

Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ – We are all related.