South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem told reporters that her banishment from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation came as, “quite a surprise.”

Ogala Sioux Tribe President Julian Bear Runner announced last week that because Noem supported a new state law targeting pipeline demonstrations, she is, “not welcome to visit our homelands.”

The law allows officials to pursue money from demonstrators who engage in, “riot boosting,” or encourage violence during a riot.

Noem says during her first few months as governor, she’s visited the Pine Ridge Reservation several times….

She explained why tribal leaders were not involved in the crafting of the new law…

Noem says she’s open and willing to meet with tribal leaders in Pine Ridge to try and patch up their differences…

Noem says she has already spoken with some members of the tribal council to hear their concerns.