PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota Gov.-elect Kristi Noem says David Flute will join her administration as secretary of tribal relations.
Noem announced the appointment Wednesday. She says Flute’s “knowledge and passion for Indian Country” will be instrumental in her administration’s work to empower tribes.
Flute says Noem “has consistently been an ally to South Dakota’s Native American community.”
People were interested in these podcasts
Flute is a lifelong member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe. He will finish his term as tribal chairman at the end of 2018.
As tribal chairman, Flute negotiated a tribal-state tax agreement and spearheaded several economic growth initiatives on the reservation.
Flute served in the South Dakota National Guard from 2004 to 2009, receiving two Army Commendation Medals and a Purple Heart. He lives near Sisseton with his two sons.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.