Story perspectives

Tribal Lawsuits Force Withdrawal of Sioux Sacred Site Drilling

5/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pete Lien & Sons withdrew its graphite drilling plan in South Dakota’s Black Hills after a restraining order and lawsuits.
Nine tribes from South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska sued the U.S. Forest Service for breaching the National Historical Preservation Act and National Environmental Protection Act.
The site lay near Pe'Sla, a meadow sacred to Sioux tribes for buffalo grazing and ceremonies.
NDN Collective called the withdrawal a multi-faceted win.

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Story summary

Pete Lien & Sons withdrew its graphite drilling plan in South Dakota’s Black Hills after a restraining order and lawsuits.
Nine tribes from South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska sued the U.S. Forest Service for breaching the National Historical Preservation Act and National Environmental Protection Act.
The site lay near Pe'Sla, a meadow sacred to Sioux tribes for buffalo grazing and ceremonies.
NDN Collective called the withdrawal a multi-faceted win.