Official Election Update — November 2025
A factual update on the recent election disruption in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and the current legal status of community leadership.
Official Election Update — November 2025Official Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Election Update – November 2025
Clarifying the Valid Election Results Following Unlawful Interference: Chief Vincent Tacan Remains the Legal Chief of SVDN
On November 13, 2025, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation held its scheduled general election under the authority of a duly appointed Electoral Officer, in accordance with the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Election Law. Unfortunately, the election process was unlawfully disrupted when a group of individuals forcibly intervened and attempted to seize control of the ballot count.
According to the official Electoral Officer’s Report
Sioux Valley Press Release - No…
:
A mob entered the polling area and attempted to break into the Band Hall during the vote count.
RCMP officers were called due to escalating threats, including potential gun violence.
The ballot count was interrupted, and the ballot boxes were turned over to security for safekeeping.
On November 14, unauthorized persons opened the three ballot boxes and three mail-in packages without the Electoral Officer present, violating SVDN Election Law.
Because of this interference, all ballots in the seized boxes were declared compromised and void.
The Electoral Officer concluded that the election
results could not be certified, and the election must be considered null and void.
Despite this, a group created false results, posted misleading information on the old SVDN website, and removed administrative access in an attempt to portray themselves as newly elected leadership. This has caused confusion within the community and beyond.
To be absolutely clear: these claims are fraudulent and have no legal standing.
Who is the current legal Chief and Council?
Per the Electoral Officer’s official declaration, and as confirmed in the attached report:
Chief Vincent Tacan remains the lawful Chief of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Until a new, legally recognized election can be conducted—and only after the RCMP concludes its investigation—current Chief and Council remain in place to ensure that:
Essential services continue (Health, Education, Social Development, Infrastructure, Security)
Staff can be paid
The Nation’s programs, finances, and administration are not disrupted
SVDN maintains compliance with federal requirements
Indigenous Services Canada does not recognize any individuals claiming leadership as a result of the compromised and unlawful ballot seizure.
What happens next?
The Electoral Officer has been instructed to schedule a new election, following the RCMP’s investigation. This new process will be conducted legally, transparently, and securely to ensure that every SVDN member’s vote counts.
SVDN leadership will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Official Election Update — November 2025Official Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Election Update – November 2025
Clarifying the Valid Election Results Following Unlawful Interference: Chief Vincent Tacan Remains the Legal Chief of SVDN
On November 13, 2025, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation held its scheduled general election under the authority of a duly appointed Electoral Officer, in accordance with the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Election Law. Unfortunately, the election process was unlawfully disrupted when a group of individuals forcibly intervened and attempted to seize control of the ballot count.
According to the official Electoral Officer’s Report
Sioux Valley Press Release - No…
:
A mob entered the polling area and attempted to break into the Band Hall during the vote count.
RCMP officers were called due to escalating threats, including potential gun violence.
The ballot count was interrupted, and the ballot boxes were turned over to security for safekeeping.
On November 14, unauthorized persons opened the three ballot boxes and three mail-in packages without the Electoral Officer present, violating SVDN Election Law.
Because of this interference, all ballots in the seized boxes were declared compromised and void.
The Electoral Officer concluded that the election
results could not be certified, and the election must be considered null and void.
Despite this, a group created false results, posted misleading information on the old SVDN website, and removed administrative access in an attempt to portray themselves as newly elected leadership. This has caused confusion within the community and beyond.
To be absolutely clear: these claims are fraudulent and have no legal standing.
Who is the current legal Chief and Council?
Per the Electoral Officer’s official declaration, and as confirmed in the attached report:
Chief Vincent Tacan remains the lawful Chief of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Until a new, legally recognized election can be conducted—and only after the RCMP concludes its investigation—current Chief and Council remain in place to ensure that:
Essential services continue (Health, Education, Social Development, Infrastructure, Security)
Staff can be paid
The Nation’s programs, finances, and administration are not disrupted
SVDN maintains compliance with federal requirements
Indigenous Services Canada does not recognize any individuals claiming leadership as a result of the compromised and unlawful ballot seizure.
What happens next?
The Electoral Officer has been instructed to schedule a new election, following the RCMP’s investigation. This new process will be conducted legally, transparently, and securely to ensure that every SVDN member’s vote counts.
SVDN leadership will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
