South Dakota News Watch is reporting Tribal nations in South Dakota are slowly warming to tourism as the South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance (SDNTA) works with tribal leaders to reframe it as a tool for economic development. Many communities have long been wary of outsiders and cultural exploitation, especially in some of the nation’s poorest regions.
The Alliance recently received the $175,000 J.M. Kaplan Innovation Prize, and leaders hope to make reservations key destinations for visitors. Executive Director Rhea Waldman said each reservation has unique cultural assets, while many tribal members are excited about outdoor experiences that connect visitors to the land.
But challenges remain. Remote locations, limited services, and the need to build both visitor demand and local business capacity create barriers. Protecting sacred spaces while welcoming tourists also requires careful, community‑specific planning.
Ultimately, SDNTA hopes visitors will engage with tribes as they exist today.
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