Tense hearing on uranium drilling tests new language-translation law before its effective date
Dozens of opponents pressed for Lakota translation as the state board weighed a uranium exploration permit under Helen's Law.
- On May 19, 2026, the South Dakota Board began a hearing in Hot Springs regarding a uranium exploration permit application near Edgemont, featuring tense exchanges over translation services for Lakota speakers.
- Rep. Erik Muckey, D-Sioux Falls, sponsored the Law named for Helen Red Feather to ensure state-funded interpretation in contested cases, though the legislation does not take effect until July 1.
- Elizabeth Lone Eagle accused the Board of "institutionalized racism" regarding translator One Feather, while White Plume stated that translation was "really important for the Lakota speakers to really hear their language and get a clear understanding about what the legal jargon was."
- Hearing Chairman Bob Morris had initially denied interpretation services, but Board Chairman Glenn Blumhardt referenced the Law in March to overturn that decision, creating internal conflict over procedural timing.
- Dozens of people have joined as official project opponents, making the matter a contested case; the uranium exploration application in the southern Black Hills remains pending since 2024.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Tense hearing on uranium drilling tests new language-translation law before its effective date - Stateline Publications
The South Dakota Board of Minerals and Environment conducts a hearing about a uranium exploration permit application on May 19, 2026, at the Mueller Civic Center in Hot Springs, South Dakota. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight) https://southdakotasearchlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lakota-interpretation-explainer-web.wav Listen to an audio version of this story by reporter Meghan O’Brien. Broadcasters: See below for a downl…
Tense hearing on uranium drilling tests new language-translation law before its effective date - Hillsboro Sentry Enterprise
The South Dakota Board of Minerals and Environment conducts a hearing about a uranium exploration permit application on May 19, 2026, at the Mueller Civic Center in Hot Springs, South Dakota. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight) https://southdakotasearchlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lakota-interpretation-explainer-web.wav Listen to an audio version of this story by reporter Meghan O’Brien. Broadcasters: See below for a downl…
Tense hearing on uranium drilling tests new language-translation law before its effective date - Seward Independent
The South Dakota Board of Minerals and Environment conducts a hearing about a uranium exploration permit application on May 19, 2026, at the Mueller Civic Center in Hot Springs, South Dakota. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight) https://southdakotasearchlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lakota-interpretation-explainer-web.wav Listen to an audio version of this story by reporter Meghan O’Brien. Broadcasters: See below for a downl…
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