Page Nav

HIDE

Pages

Classic Header

{fbt_classic_header}

Breaking News:

latest

Native American tribes set up COVID-19 checkpoints and block THOUSANDS of mask-less bikers passing through reservation land en route to 10-day motorcycle festival in Sturgis, South Dakota

Native American tribes have set up checkpoints to block thousands of bikers attending a 10-day motorcycle rally in South Dakota from enter...

Native American tribes have set up checkpoints to block thousands of bikers attending a 10-day motorcycle rally in South Dakota from entering reservation lands.
The Cheyenne River Sioux tribe has set up strategic checkpoints to prevent attendees of the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally from coming in for fear of a potential coronavirus outbreak in the city of 7,000 people.
The annual event, which is anticipated to attract 250,000 bikers, kicked off Friday and guests have been seen without masks, as they’re not required, and flouting social distancing guidelines as they packed in for concerts, bars, and riding events. 
The Cheyenne River Sioux announced Saturday the checkpoints would be set up as a part of the tribe’s larger COVID-19 prevention policy, which was launched by seven tribes that make up the Great Sioux Nation, spokesman Remi Bald Eagle said.
Federal and state authorities claim the checkpoints are illegal and the tribes have sued.
Only commercial and emergency vehicles will be let through the checkpoints onto reservation land, a duty officer for the tribe said to The Guardian on Saturday.
The Cheyenne River Sioux tribe has set up strategic checkpoints around reservation land to prevent attendees of the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota from coming in for fear of a potential coronavirus outbreak in the city of 7,000 people
The Cheyenne River Sioux tribe has set up strategic checkpoints around reservation land to prevent attendees of the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota from coming in for fear of a potential coronavirus outbreak in the city of 7,000 people
The Cheyenne River Sioux announced Saturday the checkpoints would be set up as a part of the tribe’s larger COVID-19 prevention policy, which was launched by seven tribes that make up the Great Sioux Nation, spokesman Remi Bald Eagle said
The Cheyenne River Sioux announced Saturday the checkpoints would be set up as a part of the tribe’s larger COVID-19 prevention policy, which was launched by seven tribes that make up the Great Sioux Nation, spokesman Remi Bald Eagle said
Those checkpoints were set up during pandemic to prevent people from entering tribal land to block the virus. A coronavirus tribal checkpoint pictured on a state highway pictured in May
Those checkpoints were set up during pandemic to prevent people from entering tribal land to block the virus. A coronavirus tribal checkpoint pictured on a state highway pictured in May
The Department of Transportation released a map showing which roads are closed to tourists including parts of U.S. 212 and SD 20, 63 and 65 on the reservation, and where checkpoints surround reservation land are located
The Department of Transportation released a map showing which roads are closed to tourists including parts of U.S. 212 and SD 20, 63 and 65 on the reservation, and where checkpoints surround reservation land are located
Officials say a number of bikers have tried to enter the land but were turned away.
Other reservations in the area including the Oglala Sioux were also turning away bikers that tried to pass through sovereign land over the weekend.
Under the Cheyenne River’s tribal guidelines non-residents driving non-commercial out-of-state vehicles are never allowed through the reservation.
During the rally non-commercial vehicles even with South Dakota plates cannot get through.
The Department of Transportation released a map showing which roads are closed to tourists including parts of U.S. 212 and SD 20, 63 and 65 on the reservation. 
The Sturgis rally is alarming for locals as it’s the largest gathering of people since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city usually sees half a million people for the 80-year tradition but about half that number is expected due to the pandemic at the event that typically puts $800million into the local economy. The spectacle raked in $1.3million in city and state tax revenue last year, according to the Argus Leader
Native American tribes in the US have also been hard hit in the coronavirus pandemic.
Today there are 71,800 Native Americans live in South Dakota with nine tribal governments representing the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Yankton Sioux Tribe, according to Travel South Dakota.
The Ogalala Sioux recorded 163 coronavirus cases last week. The Cheyenne River Sioux had cases rise to 79, according to the tribe’s website.
Bikers brush off COVID concerns as they attend huge Sturgis rally
Loaded: 0%
Progress: 0%
0:00
Previous
Play
Skip
Mute
Current Time0:00
/
Duration Time1:54
Fullscreen
Need Text
The annual event anticipated to attract 250,000 bikers kicked off Friday and guests have been seen without masks, as they’re not required, and flouting social distancing guidelines as they pack in for concerts, at bars, and riding events
The annual event anticipated to attract 250,000 bikers kicked off Friday and guests have been seen without masks, as they’re not required, and flouting social distancing guidelines as they pack in for concerts, at bars, and riding events
Trump supporter Gene Haheim pictured Friday selling face shields at the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Trump supporter Gene Haheim pictured Friday selling face shields at the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Motorcyclists ride down Lazelle Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Saturday not wearing masks
Motorcyclists ride down Lazelle Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Saturday not wearing masks
A train of cyclists pictured riding through downtown Deadwood, South Dakota.  Officials say a number of bikers have already tried to enter tribal land but were turned away
A train of cyclists pictured riding through downtown Deadwood, South Dakota.  Officials say a number of bikers have already tried to enter tribal land but were turned away
Trump-themed T-shirts are sold on Main Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Saturday
South Dakota has fared better than other states in the pandemic but the gathering is a point of concern as hotspots have emerged in states across the Midwest with the roll back on quarantine guidelines.
According to the state’s latest data there are 9,477 cases in the state, 146 deaths, and 48 hospitalizations from the deadly virus.
Some attendees at the rally have been deliberately defiant of the virus.
One T-shirt on sale at the event says 'Screw COVID. I went to Sturgis.'
'I don’t want to die, but I don’t want to be cooped up all my life either,' attendee Stephen Sample, 66, who rode his Harley-Davidson from Arizona, said to Associated Press.  
'I think we’re all willing to take a chance,' he said, but acknowledged the trip 'could be a major mistake.'
'I’ve not seen one single person wearing a mask,' bartender Jessica Christian, 29, said to the Guardian. 'It’s just pretty much the mentality that, "If I get it, I get it."'
'In downtown Sturgis it’s just madness. People not socially distancing, everybody touching each other. It’ll be interesting to see how that turns out,' she added.
South Dakota’s Republican governor Kristi Noem supported holding the rally citing Donald Trump’s Mount Rushmore rally last month attended by several thousand people that didn’t lead to a virus break out.
Sturgis police officer smokes a cigar as he stands watch on Main Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Friday
Sturgis police officer smokes a cigar as he stands watch on Main Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Friday
A man in a cap supporting Donald Trump rides a scooter during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Saturday
A man in a cap supporting Donald Trump rides a scooter during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Saturday
South Dakota’s Republican governor Kristi Noem supported holding the rally citing Donald Trump’s Mount Rushmore rally last month attended by several thousand people that didn’t lead to a virus break out
South Dakota’s Republican governor Kristi Noem supported holding the rally citing Donald Trump’s Mount Rushmore rally last month attended by several thousand people that didn’t lead to a virus break out
Locals unconcerned by COVID threat at biker rally in Sturgis
Loaded: 0%
Progress: 0%
0:00
Previous
Play
Skip
Mute
Current Time0:00
/
Duration Time0:52
Fullscreen
Need Text
She tweeted last week: 'I trusted my people, they trusted me, and South Dakota is in a good spot in our fight against COVID-19. The #Sturgis motorcycle rally starts this weekend, and we're excited for visitors to see what our great state has to offer!'
However, in May over 60% of Sturgis 6,900 residents who responded to a city council survey said they wanted to cancel the rally. 
But in June a council voted to move ahead nonetheless but included measures like hand-sanitizing stations.  
'The state of South Dakota has been the freedom state and the city of Sturgis has stayed true to that,' Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen said.
He said he's determined to encourage 'personal responsibility' among attendees.          
He said his team had set up sanitation stations and given out masks - although face coverings were not required.
'We cannot stop people from coming,' he told CNN on Thursday, ahead of the annual event which has run for 80 years. 
Health officials are still warning against even small gatherings, and states with relatively low spread - such as South Dakota - are ordering visitors from hot spots to self-quarantine. 
No restrictions are in place for the start of the 10-day jamboree, however. 
The city usually sees half a million people for the 80-year tradition but about half that number is expected due to the pandemic at the event that typically puts $800million into the local economy
The city usually sees half a million people for the 80-year tradition but about half that number is expected due to the pandemic at the event that typically puts $800million into the local economy 
Covered in temporary tattoos, Josiah Sandoval, 7, stands for a portrait on Main Street in Sturgis on Saturday
Covered in temporary tattoos, Josiah Sandoval, 7, stands for a portrait on Main Street in Sturgis on Saturday
Bikers cruised down Main Street in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Saturday night as part of the annual festival
Bikers cruised down Main Street in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Saturday night as part of the annual festival
Motorbike enthusiasts have flocked to South Dakota for the event, despite the concerns of some locals about COVID-19
Motorbike enthusiasts have flocked to South Dakota for the event, despite the concerns of some locals about COVID-19
Bars and restaurants in Deadwood (pictured) and neighboring Sturgis were packed with people on Saturday afternoon
Bars and restaurants in Deadwood (pictured) and neighboring Sturgis were packed with people on Saturday afternoon 
Motorcyclists ride on Main Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, in South Dakota, on Saturday
Motorcyclists ride on Main Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, in South Dakota, on Saturday
The small town of Sturgis draws huge crowds every year for the annual motorbike festival and rally
The small town of Sturgis draws huge crowds every year for the annual motorbike festival and rally
Motorbike riders are pictured flocking to Sturgis, South Dakota, on Saturday for a rally
Motorbike riders are pictured flocking to Sturgis, South Dakota, on Saturday for a rally
The motorcyclist event is estimated to bring in $1.3 million to the annual economy
The motorcyclist event is estimated to bring in $1.3 million to the annual economy
An estimated 250,000 people gather in South Dakota before heading out to explore the region
An estimated 250,000 people gather in South Dakota before heading out to explore the region

Worried residents say officials should have canceled the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. 
'This is a huge, foolish mistake to make to host the rally this year,' said Linda Chaplin, a Sturgis resident, in a message to city counselors earlier this summer. 
'The government of Sturgis needs to care most for its citizens.'
'My grandma is absolutely terrified because she has diabetes and is in her 80s and has lupus,' another resident told CNN. 
'If she gets it, it's a death sentence.' 
A mayor's letter overviewing Sturgis describes how the city 'comes alive' with half a million visitors during a typical August rally, suddenly transformed into 'the largest community in the state' with concerts and races.
On June 15, city council members voted 8 to 1 to continue with the motorbike rally - albeit without the usual seating in a plaza.
Speaking Thursday to CNN, Carstensen said that keeping the rally has been 'a difficult decision.'
He noted that the city will be expanding a program to deliver supplies to the homes of those worried about the virus. 
But there are no quarantine recommendations for bikers from hot spot states, the mayor said, and leaders are just 'hoping people make the right choices.' 
Visitors have already been flocking to the Black Hills amid the pandemic, he said. 
'We hope people come,' Noem said of the motorcycle rally. 
'Our economy benefits when people come and visit us.' 
A man prepares to set off on his horned motorbike in South Dakota on Saturday
A man prepares to set off on his horned motorbike in South Dakota on Saturday
A woman readies to ride her Harley Davidson in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Saturday
A woman readies to ride her Harley Davidson in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Saturday
A dog rides on a motorcycle through downtown Deadwood, South Dakota, on Saturday
A dog rides on a motorcycle through downtown Deadwood, South Dakota, on Saturday 
A motorbike rider is pictured on Main Street, Sturgis, on Saturday ahead of the rally
A motorbike rider is pictured on Main Street, Sturgis, on Saturday ahead of the rally
Trump supporters proudly displayed their allegiance at the rally in South Dakota on Saturday
Trump supporters proudly displayed their allegiance at the rally in South Dakota on Saturday
Up to 250,000 people are expected at the South Dakota rally, pictured on Saturday
Up to 250,000 people are expected at the South Dakota rally, pictured on Saturday
Bikers from across the United States have descended on South Dakota for the annual rally
Bikers from across the United States have descended on South Dakota for the annual rally
Up to 250,000 people are expected in South Dakota for the annual jamboree in Sturgis
Up to 250,000 people are expected in South Dakota for the annual jamboree in Sturgis
Noem denounced 'herd mentality' and said coronavirus restrictions were not right for her rural state.
'South Dakota is not New York City,' she said. 
A South Dakota pork-processing plant soon became one of the country's biggest coronavirus clusters in the spring - but cases eventually dipped and the sparsely populated state did not shatter daily records this summer like many Southern and Western states.
Average new daily cases reported in South Dakota have risen in recent weeks but remain under 100, and the state records an average of one or two covid-19 deaths a day.  
There have been 9,300 cases and 146 deaths in the state, which has a population of 885,000 people. 
Benjamin Aaker, the president of the South Dakota State Medical Association, told CNN on Thursday that he is worried - but insisted the rally can be held safely if people follow recommendations such as social distancing, hand-washing and wearing masks. 
'It's already here,' he said of the coronavirus. 
'But is it going to get worse with an event such as this? 
'If we don't take those proper precautions, it will.'
Crowds of 250,000 people attended the 10-day motorcycling festival in Sturgis, South Dakota
Crowds of 250,000 people attended the 10-day motorcycling festival in Sturgis, South Dakota
The sunset on Saturday evening lights up storm clouds over the Sturgis Harley-Davidson dealership
The sunset on Saturday evening lights up storm clouds over the Sturgis Harley-Davidson dealership
Bikers from all around the country had travelled to South Dakota for the eagerly-awaited annual event
Bikers from all around the country had travelled to South Dakota for the eagerly-awaited annual event
A man carries his pet snake along Main Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
A man carries his pet snake along Main Street during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

No comments