Native American Tribes Sue to Stop Drilling in Black Hills Near Sacred Site
Nine Native American tribes from South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska have filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The lawsuit aims to halt exploratory drilling for graphite near Pe’Sla, a sacred site in the Black Hills used for tribal ceremonies and cultural activities. The tribes argue that the federal agencies violated federal law by approving the project without consulting them, as required. The site, Pe’Sla, is considered unceded territory by the Sioux Nations, despite a historical treaty and a Supreme Court ruling that offered compensation, which the tribes have not accepted. The Forest Service granted a permit for the project in February, citing a categorical exclusion due to its short duration and minimal environmental impact. However, the tribes contest this, fearing the drilling could lead to future mining operations. 
