"Despite the fact that it could put two residents of the reservation on trial for alleged felonies, it is in the best interests of the Oglala tribe to accept an extradition compact with South Dakota.

The Pine Ridge reservation is trying to attract economic development projects from outside the reservation and the biggest impediment has been concerns that civil contracts may not be enforceable in tribal courts. Those concerns also apply to criminal procedure. The Oglala Sioux Tribe wishes to be treated as a sovereign nation, but if it doesn't recognize civil and criminal jurisdiction outside the reservation boundary, potential investors have good reason to stay away.

We applaud Gov. Rounds for submitting an extradition compact proposal and Oglala tribal president Fire Thunder for being open to negotiating a compact. Efforts in the past to obtain an extradition compact have been unsuccessful."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Extradition compact good for both sides (The Rapid City Journal 10/26)

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Oglala Sioux Tribe asked to extradite suspects (08/22)
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