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, sparking tense exchanges over translation services for Lakota speakers.
- Rep. Erik Muckey, D-Sioux Falls, sponsored the Law named for Helen Red Feather, which requires state-funded interpretation for contested cases but does not take effect until July 1.
- Project opponent Elizabeth Lone Eagle accused the Board of "institutionalized racism" regarding translator One Feather, while White Plume emphasized that translation helped Lakota speakers understand legal jargon.
- Hearing Chairman Bob Morris had initially denied interpretation services, but Board Chairman Glenn Blumhardt referenced the Law in March to overturn that decision despite its July 1 effective date.
- Dozens of people have joined as official project opponents, making the application a contested case, while the permit remains pending for uranium exploration in the southern Black Hills.
9 Articles
9 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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