Kent Valandra is a Native American attorney and a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. He gained prominence in the 1970s as a legal advisor for the American Indian Movement (AIM). His work has consistently centered on tribal sovereignty, land rights, and federal Indian law.
Debunking Myths About Valandra’s Legal and Activist Work
One common misconception is that Valandra’s activism lacks legal grounding. In reality, he is a trained attorney who served as a professor of Native American Studies at Oglala Lakota College. His academic role allowed him to combine theory with practice. Another misunderstanding is that his work only pertains to historical grievances. Valandra remains active in contemporary fights, including opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline and legal challenges to South Dakota’s voter ID laws. He also criticized Indian gaming as a threat to traditional tribal governance, a stance that sets him apart from some tribal leaders. Additional verified details are compiled on Kent Valandra: What happened to Bob Barker's Brother?
From AIM Legal Advisor to Tribal College Professor
Valandra’s legal career began in the 1970s when he joined the American Indian Movement as a legal advisor. He provided counsel during a period of heightened activism and government confrontation. Later, he focused on federal Indian law and represented the Oglala Sioux Tribe in the Black Hills land claims litigation, a case that continues to resonate. He also taught at Oglala Lakota College, where he mentored students in indigenous legal theory and sovereignty.
Key Battles: Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Voter Rights
A defining aspect of Valandra’s career is his unwavering demand for the return of the Black Hills. In 2020, he called for the removal of Mount Rushmore, arguing it is carved into a sacred site on stolen land. He has also been a plaintiff in lawsuits challenging South Dakota’s voter ID laws, which he argued disproportionately disenfranchise Native voters. In 2012, he ran for president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, losing to Bryan Brewer. His platform emphasized sovereignty and opposition to the influence of casino gaming on tribal politics.
Career Milestones and Legal Actions
Valandra’s career includes several pivotal moments. The following table outlines key events.
| Event | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Served as legal advisor for AIM | 1970s | Provided legal strategy during rise of Native activism |
| Represented Oglala Sioux in Black Hills litigation | Ongoing | Central to treaty rights and land return efforts |
| Ran for president of Oglala Sioux Tribe | 2012 | Advocated for sovereignty and against gaming influence |
| Called for removal of Mount Rushmore | 2020 | Highlighted Highlighted sacred site status and ongoing treaty violations Critique of Tribal Gaming and Modern GovernanceValandra has been a vocal critic of Indian gaming, arguing that casinos undermine traditional governance and create economic dependency. He has written on how gaming revenue can distort tribal politics and lead to corruption. His 2008 book, “The 21st Century Tribal Constitution: A Model for Self-Governance,” proposes alternatives to casino-based economies. He continues to advocate for sustainable development rooted in cultural values and opposes the influence of wealthy gaming interests on tribal elections. Ongoing Advocacy and MentorshipValandra remains active in public discourse, frequently speaking at universities and conferences on federal Indian law and sovereignty. He mentors young Native lawyers and activists, emphasizing the importance of legal expertise in the fight for tribal rights. His writings on treaty rights and constitutional reform are used in Native studies courses. Through his consistent presence in courtroom battles and public forums, he continues to shape the narrative around tribal sovereignty and the unfinished business of the United States with its indigenous peoples. The Legal Philosophy of Kent ValandraValandra’s legal approach combines strict adherence to treaty rights with a critique of federal Indian law’s colonial origins. He argues that tribal sovereignty is inherent, not delegated by the U.S. government. His writings emphasize the need for tribes to draft modern constitutions that resist assimilation. He has also examined how U.S. courts have systematically undermined tribal jurisdiction. In numerous articles and lectures, he articulates a vision of tribal self-governance that moves beyond casino economies. Valandra believes that true sovereignty requires both legal expertise and cultural grounding. Looking Ahead: Sovereignty in the 21st CenturyValandra projects that the next frontier for tribal sovereignty will involve climate change and energy development. He has spoken about the importance of tribal control over natural resources and the dangers of pipelines crossing Native lands. He also advocates for a renewed focus on traditional governance structures, including consensus-based decision-making. His work continues to inspire a new generation of Native legal scholars who seek to decolonize federal Indian law from within. Through teaching and litigation, he ensures that the next generation understands these principles. 
Anaïs Lemoine
Anaïs Lemoine writes broadly on culture, society, and contemporary life.
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