GOOD NEWS:Leadership change at SD Urban Indian Health concerns staff

change in leadership has been announced at South Dakota Urban Indian Health, which oversees two locations in Sioux Falls and one in Pierre.

Former and current staff confirmed that following a consultant review, the board asked for the resignation of Michaela Sieber, who had been at the helm for three years.

Staff told Dakota News Now that the board did not follow their own protocol in the termination.

Some current staff are asking for the former leader to return. Some question the loss of the original goal of reaching the Native American community, following what they believe to be racially motivated rhetoric from the consultant.

“And had asked the downtown staff, who is all native, to stop ‘shooting arrows at board of directors,’ which is a very insensitive and racially motivated comment, which was hard to hear after everything that had just happened.”

Dakota News Now has asked the interim director about the staff concerns.

The following statement was shared on Behalf of the South Dakota Urban Indian Health Board of Directors:

Last week, the Board was made aware of an insensitive and inappropriate comment made by a consultant hired to assist and advise during a transitional period for South Dakota Urban Indian Health. Although we don’t typically address personnel matters, it is important that those we serve, and the entire community, know that such statements are not condoned. We recognize that healing does not happen overnight. It is, however, our commitment to move forward towards collective healing and renewed hope in all the days and months to come.
South Dakota Urban Indian Health Board of Directors