Drilling has begun at our sacred site Pe' Sla, setting a dangerous precedent for Indigenous lands across the country. It must be stopped.
Exploratory drilling has begun within the 2-mile buffer zone of Pe' Sla, a sacred Indigenous site in South Dakota's Black Hills, despite federal protections and tribal opposition. The project, permitted by the U.S. Forest Service under a categorical exclusion from environmental review, threatens both the environment and Indigenous religious rights. Legal action has been taken by tribal and environmental groups, who argue the decision violates federal law and sets a dangerous precedent for other protected lands. Critics say the short-term economic benefits are outweighed by long-term cultural and ecological risks.
- ▪Drilling operations have started within the 2-mile buffer zone of Pe' Sla, a site held sacred by the Oceti Sakowin and protected under federal trust status.
- ▪The U.S. Forest Service approved exploratory graphite drilling using a 'categorical exclusion,' bypassing required environmental impact assessments under NEPA.
- ▪At least two drill pads are active, with plans for up to 18, threatening the Rapid Creek watershed and downstream communities' water supply.
- ▪In April 2026, NDN Collective, Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, and Earthworks sued the Forest Service over violations of environmental and cultural protection laws.
- ▪Pe' Sla was granted federal trust status in 2016 and recognized in a 2024 agreement with tribal nations, making the drilling decision a breach of government commitments.
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Planet Earth Drilling has begun at our sacred site Pe' Sla, setting a dangerous precedent for Indigenous lands across the country. It must be stopped. Opinion By Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle published 28 April 2026 Drilling in the 2-mile buffer zone of Pe' Sla, in the He Sapa (Black Hills) of South Dakota, shows even sacred lands protected by the U.S. government are not safe from the threat of destruction — and it should ring alarm bells everywhere. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Drilling has started in the 2-mile buffer zone around Pe' Sla, a sacred Indigenous site in South Dakota.
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