PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Tourism, in partnership with the South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance (SDNTA), is releasing a new tribal nations visitor guide.

The “Guide to Tribal Nations: Oceti Sakowin Homelands” features a map of tribal lands, brief history of each tribe, visitor etiquette suggestions, and destinations that provide opportunities to learn more about each tribe. The guide’s content was produced and approved through members of the SDNTA.

“The South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance is excited about the completion and release of this guide,” said Dew Bad Warrior, project manager for the SDNTA. “It is an important resource that will help bring visitors to South Dakota's tribal lands. We place great value in the partnership between the SDNTA and Department of Tourism to make this guide possible and available to visitors worldwide.”

The South Dakota Department of Tourism printed 30,000 copies of the new guide in May 2022. Visitors will find the free guide distributed at South Dakota’s Welcome Centers and many visitor intensive businesses, or online at TravelSouthDakota.com, where a digital copy can be downloaded for free. Visitors can also view or order a physical South Dakota Vacation Guide and other publications.

“Producing this beautiful guide was an important component of the Department of Tourism’s partnership with the newly formed South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “Research shows us that our domestic and international visitors are eager to learn more about the culture and history of our friends and partners within South Dakota’s tribal nations. This guide will be an excellent resource as they plan their experience in our state.”

The content of the book was created in partnership with Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sissteon Wahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Yankton Sioux Tribe. Additional information was utilized from a variety of sources noted in the guide.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.