- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Policy and Law
Former South Dakota tribal relations secretary David Flute has been appointed as senior tribal advisor on Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Flute, an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, will work under former South Dakota governor and current Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the federal position.
"I am extremely humbled and look forward to serving our country in this new role and am excited to work with Secretary Noem and the Trump Administration," Flute said in a statement released by South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden's office.
Before his state cabinet role, Flute served as chairman of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, where he successfully negotiated a Tribal-State Tax Agreement and led several economic growth initiatives on the reservation. He also represented the South Dakota Native American community before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Flute's experience includes military service in the South Dakota National Guard from 2004 to 2009, during which he received two Army Commendation Medals and a Purple Heart.
"South Dakota is home to so many exceptional individuals. It has been my honor to serve alongside Secretary Flute," Gov. Rhoden in the statement announcing the appointment.
The Department of Tribal Relations works to foster relationships with the nine tribal nations in South Dakota.
Gov. Rhoden has appointed Algin Young to replace Flute as secretary of the Department of Tribal Relations, effective April 25. Young currently serves as the state's tribal law enforcement liaison and brings 23 years of law enforcement experience within Indian Country.
