The economic landscape of many Native American reservations in the United States presents a stark contrast to the national average. While the nation grapples with fluctuations in employment rates, some tribal communities face persistent and devastating levels of joblessness. This article delves into the staggering reality that 15 Indian Tribes Have Unemployment Rates Over 80%, painting a picture of the challenges, the contributing factors, and the ongoing struggle for economic self-sufficiency within these communities.
It is important to note that the data surrounding Native American unemployment has historically been difficult to access and often outdated. While the American Indian Population and Labor Force Report is mandated to be released biennially, the most recent comprehensive data available, at the time of the original article’s writing, dated back to 2005, with the report released in 2007. This underscores a critical need for more frequent and accurate data collection to effectively address the issues. The figures discussed here are based on tribes within the lower 48 states, meeting specific criteria: a tribal enrollment of at least 1,000 members and a minimum of 500 unemployed individuals.
Here’s a closer look at the 15 tribes with the highest unemployment rates, based on the available data, revealing the profound economic hardship experienced by these communities:
1. Sokaogon Chippewa Community (Mole Lake, Wisconsin): 93% Unemployment
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community, residing in Mole Lake, Wisconsin, faces the most severe unemployment rate on this list, a staggering 93%. With a tribal enrollment of 1,274, and 894 individuals unemployed out of 961 available for work, the community struggles significantly. Even among the employed, a disheartening 79% live below the national poverty standards. To put this in perspective, Wisconsin’s overall unemployment rate, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was 6.8% at the time of the original report, a drastic 86.2% lower than the situation in Mole Lake. The Sokaogon Chippewa Community demonstrates the urgent need for targeted economic development strategies.
2. Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians (Temecula, California): 91% Unemployment
Located in Temecula, California, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians contend with a 91% unemployment rate. Out of a tribal enrollment of 1,342, with 544 unemployed out of 595 available for work, the situation is dire. A positive note, however, is that none of those employed live below poverty standards. The opening of the Pechanga Resort and Casino in 2002 has played a crucial role in the tribe’s economic development efforts, and they anticipate continued growth in their tribal economy. While California’s unemployment rate stood at 8.7%, it was still 82.3% lower than that of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians.
3. Oglala Sioux Tribe of Pine Ridge (South Dakota): 89% Unemployment
The Oglala Sioux Tribe of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, is perhaps the most widely known for its extreme levels of unemployment and challenging living conditions. The tribe has the largest number of unemployed workers on this list. With a tribal enrollment of 43,146, an astounding 26,408 individuals are unemployed out of 29,539 available for work. While South Dakota’s general unemployment rate was a relatively low 3.9%, Pine Ridge’s rate was approximately 85.1% higher. Although a considerable number of residents are employed, 34% of those still live below poverty standards, further highlighting the severity of the economic hardship.
4. Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (South Dakota): 88% Unemployment
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, residing on the Lakota Nation’s land in central South Dakota, faces an 88% unemployment rate. Approximately 70% of tribal members live on the reservation. Out of a tribal enrollment of 15,376, with 9,893 unemployed out of 11,205 available for work, the economic challenges are significant. What is particularly alarming is that 100% of the approximately 1,300 residents who are employed still live below poverty standards. This indicates a critical need for higher-paying jobs and improved economic opportunities within the community.
5. The Apache Tribe of Oklahoma: 87% Unemployment
The Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, also known as the Plains Apache and Kiowa-Apache, is a federally recognized tribe located in Anadarko, Oklahoma. The tribe’s 87% unemployment rate affects a community of approximately 1,860 members. With 1,485 unemployed out of 1,702 available for work, only a small fraction are employed. Of those, approximately 100 individuals live below the standards of poverty. Oklahoma State’s unemployment rate was 5.3%, significantly lower, at 81.7%, than the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma’s rate.
6. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (North & South Dakota): 86% Unemployment
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, whose territory straddles the border of North and South Dakota, grapples with an 86% unemployment rate. The reservation is the sixth largest in land area in the United States. Out of a tribal enrollment of 6,461, and 3,074 unemployed out of 3,565 available for work, the challenges are evident. Of those employed, more than 200, or 43%, live below poverty standards.
7. Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (Michigan): 86% Unemployment
The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, whose traditional homelands lie on the northwestern shores of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, face an 86% unemployment rate. Out of a tribal enrollment of 4,073, and 1,427 unemployed out of 1,657 available for work, the situation is concerning. While only 18% of those employed live below poverty standards, Michigan’s relatively high unemployment rate of 8.8% is still significantly lower, at 77.2%, than that of the reservation.
8. Round Valley Indian Tribes (California): 86% Unemployment
The Round Valley Indian Reservation, primarily located in Mendocino County, California, has an 86% unemployment rate. Of the 1,450 members available for work, 1,241 are unemployed. Only 209 are employed, and more than half of that number, 54%, live in poverty. California’s unemployment rate was 8.7%, which is 77.3% lower than the unemployed on this reservation.
9. Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation (Wyoming): 86% Unemployment
The Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation shares reservation territory with the Northern Arapaho. This reservation, covering 2.2 million acres in Central Wyoming, faces an 86% unemployment rate. Out of a tribal enrollment of 3,724, with 2,248 unemployed out of 2,686 available for work, the challenges are clear. Of the 438 employed, 187 live in poverty conditions. Wyoming’s unemployment rate was a low 4.6%, which is 81.4% less than the reservation’s.
10. Rosebud Sioux Tribe (South Dakota): 83% Unemployment
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota faces an 83% unemployment rate. Out of a tribal enrollment of 26,237, with 11,909 unemployed out of 14,428 available for work, the economic hardship is substantial. Of the 2,519 that are employed, 1,920, or 76%, still live in poverty. This tribe holds the second spot in terms of the number of tribal members without a job.
11. Walker River Paiute Tribe (Nevada): 83% Unemployment
The Walker River Paiute Reservation, located in Midwestern Nevada, has an 83% unemployment rate. Out of nearly 3,000 members, with 705 unemployed out of 850 available for work, only 145 are employed. Nevada’s unemployment rate was 9.5%, which is still 73.5% lower than this reservation’s.
12. Winnebago Tribe (Nebraska): 82% Unemployment
The Winnebago Indian Reservation in northeastern Nebraska has an unemployment rate of 82%. Only 185 of the 1,055 available to work have a job. Of those working, 172, or 93%, live in poverty. Nebraska’s unemployment rate was 4.2%, or 77.8% less than the reservation’s.
13. Puyallup Tribe (Washington): 82% Unemployment
The Puyallup Tribe, in western Washington State, has an 82% unemployment rate. Out of 12,437 available to work (including non-enrolled workers), 10,250 are unemployed. Of the 2,187 working, 1,412 live below poverty standards. Washington State’s unemployment rate was 6.9%, 75.1% lower than the reservation’s.
14. Bad River Band (Wisconsin): 81% Unemployment
The Bad River Band of the Ojibwe/Chippewa, located on the south shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin, has 81% unemployment. Out of 1,800 available for work, 335 are employed. Of those employed, 273, or 81%, live below poverty standards. Wisconsin State’s unemployment rate was 6.8%, which is 74.2% lower than the reservation’s.
15. Shoshone-Bannock Tribes-Fort Hall (Idaho): 81% Unemployment
The Fort Hall Indian Reservation of the Shoshone-Bannock is located in southeastern Idaho. With more than 7,500 unemployed, the tribe faces an 81% unemployment rate. Of those employed, 747, or 41%, live below poverty. Idaho’s unemployment rate was 6.6%, which is 74.4% lower than the reservation statistics.
Contributing Factors and the Path Forward
The reasons behind these alarmingly high unemployment rates are complex and multifaceted. They include:
- Historical Dispossession: Centuries of land dispossession, broken treaties, and forced assimilation policies have eroded the economic base of many tribes.
- Geographic Isolation: Many reservations are located in remote areas with limited access to jobs, infrastructure, and educational opportunities.
- Lack of Education and Skills Training: Underfunded schools and limited access to higher education and vocational training programs hinder the development of a skilled workforce.
- Discrimination: Native Americans often face discrimination in the job market.
- Limited Capital and Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Access to capital for starting and growing businesses is often restricted.
- Resource Depletion: In some cases, natural resources that once provided a source of income have been depleted.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and sustained effort involving tribal governments, federal and state agencies, and private sector partners. Key strategies include:
- Investing in Education and Skills Training: Providing access to quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs.
- Promoting Economic Diversification: Moving beyond reliance on a single industry, such as gaming, and developing a broader range of economic activities.
- Supporting Tribal Entrepreneurship: Providing access to capital, technical assistance, and mentorship for Native American entrepreneurs.
- Improving Infrastructure: Investing in roads, broadband internet, and other essential infrastructure to connect reservations to the broader economy.
- Honoring Treaty Obligations: Ensuring that the federal government fulfills its treaty obligations to tribes.
- Empowering Tribal Self-Governance: Supporting tribal sovereignty and self-determination in economic development decisions.
The persistent economic hardship faced by these 15 Indian Tribes Have Unemployment Rates Over 80% demands immediate attention and concerted action. By addressing the root causes of unemployment and investing in sustainable economic development strategies, we can help these communities build a brighter future for themselves and their children. This article serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the urgent need for change. It is imperative that this issue of 15 Indian Tribes Have Unemployment Rates Over 80% is tackled with commitment and resolve.