You are not looking at it from the tribal people point of view. The smoking of the pipe is significant to them, whatever the meaning
By your logic we should never say anything as we are sure to offend someone.
What did you expect her to do, say that what they were doing was actually just another means of salvation.
Various groups have any number of things they believe or do that are significant to them but from a Christian perspective we have to ask will those things lead to their salvation or keep them lost.
Very true, but nevertheless, let them be offended by the presentation of the gospel. This was viewed as an attack on their customs. That is not a presentation of the gospel.
So, the debate is now not about the truth of Jesus Christ and Him crucified for sins, is it?
From what I read in the article she made a comparison of what they were doing and the gospel. With one you remain lost and with the other you can be saved.
Here are some quotes from the article
“But I am a Christian preacher. I am a pastor and
I preach the full counsel of God’s word,” she said.
Lucas said she’s not against the sun dance altogether: she supports fasting and praying as a whole concept. But she understands
the ceremony also involves “the worship of the pipe,” she said, adding that’s idolatry, and irreconcilable with the teaching that “Jesus is the only way.”
She voiced mild surprise at the current outrage, saying community members have maligned Jesus and biblical teaching to her for years and she hasn’t retaliated.
Regarding the tribal community, Lucas said she loves them and wants to maintain a forgiving posture. She referenced the high suicide, poverty, and addiction rates of the reservation. And she reiterated part of the same message that sparked this clash.
“
Only Jesus can turn a life around, can deliver somebody, can set somebody free,”
She should be commended for staying in a environment that is hostile to her and her message. She is a missionary to a lost people and she is getting pushback just as all missionaries have.