Tribal Courts

An overview of South Dakota's nine, federally-recognized Native American tribes, contact information for each tribe, and links to the tribal courts and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) information.

In South Dakota there are nine, federally-recognized Native American tribes, each with its own tribal court system. Tribal courts have jurisdiction primarily over cases involving tribal members and matters arising within the boundaries of their respective reservations. These courts operate independently under the tribe’s sovereignty and handle a wide range of legal matters, including civil disputes, family law, and criminal cases involving tribal members.

View South Dakota Tribal Court Handbook

Tribal ICWA Agents and Enrollment Officers

The South Dakota Department of Social Services provides a list of tribal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) agents, enrollment officers and juvenile judges.

Tribal Map

The South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations offers a map outlining the general locations and information of tribal lands throughout the state.