Oglala Sioux Tribe to Open Own Grocery Store

PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) - The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe says the tribe will open up a new grocery store on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation within days of the forced closure of the reservation's sole grocery store.

In an open letter to tribal members, Bryan Brewer says the tribe will open its own grocery store within 48 hours of the closing of Sioux Nation Shopping Center.

The tribal council unanimously voted in May to stop leasing the building and the land to the store's company, Hi-Way 20, effective Aug. 4. Brewer said the decision was necessary because of health violations and no tribal members will lose their jobs.

A lawyer for Hi-Way 20 denied any health violations and says he's hopeful Hi-Way 20 can work with the tribe to address the issues.

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