“No Native Americans Allowed” Posting Draws Wide Criticism

      A social media post from one of the owners of a Rapid City hotel attempting to ban Native Americans from the property following a weekend shooting involving two Natives drew quick condemnation on Tuesday.

      Connie Uhre of the Grand Gateway Hotel said in a Facebook post Sunday that the hotel “will no longer allow any Native American on property. Or in Cheers Sports Bar.”

       The post went on to say that “Rapid City has gone to Hell since the City has been accepting all the Free Money with strings attached. Look up Dark Money,” but it also offered a reduced rate for ranchers and travelers to book direct.

      Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Harold Frazier and Mayor Steve Allender both condemned Connie Uhre’s post, with Allender calling it unlawful and heartless.

      Uhre’s son, Nick, sent an email to KOTA Territory News emphasizing his mother’s post was not hotel policy, but also saying laws are needed to ban Native Americans from consuming alcohol.

        He also wrote that Mayor Allender is trying to destroy his business, calling the mayor a “cheerleader for cancel culture” who has “it a target on my back” that has him fearful for the safety of his family, employees, and guests as well as his own. 

      As for the shooting, 19-year old Quincy Bear Robe made his first court appearance Tuesday on charges of aggravated assault and commission of a felony while carrying a firearm. His bond was set at a million dollars.

    Court documents show Bear Robe admitting shooting 19-year old Myron Pourier Jr during an argument between Pourier and Bear Robe’s girlfriend.

       Pourier remains in critical condition at Rapid City Monument Health, but his father says the family remains hopeful for his recovery and that online prayers from the community and strangers are providing the family with comfort.