PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Among those taking part in a Tribal Public Safety Summit this week at the Governor’s Residence in Pierre was House Majority Leader and District 24 Representative Will Mortenson of Fort Pierre. Mortenson says it was a productive gathering of law enforcement and government on all levels.

Mortenson says he spent most of the summit listening and learning.

Governor Kristi Noem has had a strained relationship with some if not all of South Dakota’s Native American Tribes, but Mortenson believes the Tribes were receptive of Noem’s efforts.

Mortenson says he hopes the Summit is the first step in making progress toward addressing crime on reservations in the state.

Mortenson was surprised to learn through the Summit how prevalent fentanyl is on South Dakota’s Native American reservations.