Indigenous tribes seek to keep flags from South Dakota State Capitol over pipeline bills

Two Indigenous tribes in South Dakota are asking that their flags not be displayed at the state capitol after lawmakers approved bills this session aimed at potential protests against the planned Keystone XL oil pipeline.

The Argus Leader reports the quick passage of Gov. Kristi Noem’s protest legislation was the breaking point for the tribes.

READ MORE: South Dakota poised to pass laws to discourage Keystone XL pipeline protests

Watch below: Some videos from Global News’ ongoing coverage of the Keystone XL pipeline.

1:47 U.S. court puts previously-approved Keystone XL on hold

• U.S. court puts previously-approved Keystone XL on hold
• Montana judge blocks Keystone XL pipeline construction
• ‘It’s a frustrating setback’: Alberta energy minister on latest Keystone XL decision
• ‘Canada needs to build pipelines within our own borders’: Alberta energy minister
• Trump claims he didn’t get any gratitude over Keystone
• Alberta’s NDP government signs on as Keystone XL customer
• Keystone XL pipeline one step closer to reality
• Edmonton’s chief economist on Keystone XL pipeline approval through Nebraska
• Keystone XL pipeline: A timeline of events
• Is the approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline a good thing?
• Premier Rachel Notley calls Keystone XL expansion into Nebraska good news
• Alberta premier weighs in on Keystone XL approval through Nebraska
• Keystone XL decision leads to cautious optimism for potential construction contracts
• Nebraska approves alternate route for Keystone XL pipeline
• Keystone XL gets approval in Nebraska
• Retired TransCanada executive reacts to Nebraska Keystone XL approval
• South Dakota residents haven’t heard from TransCanada after Keystone XL pipeline leak

Previous Video

Next Video

The requests come after Noem said last month she planned to permanently display the flags of the nine tribes in South Dakota in the Capitol rotunda.

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Chairman Lester Thompson Jr. says the tribe has worked to build a new relationship with the state, but Noem and the legislature have “destroyed our trust” and the hope of moving toward reconciliation.

Oglala Sioux Tribe President Julian Bear Runner says the tribe’s flag represents a “commitment to protect Mother Earth.”