The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, a vast expanse of land encompassing nearly all of Dewey and Ziebach counties in the state of South Dakota, stands as a testament to the complex history and enduring spirit of the Lakota people. Beyond these primary counties, scattered parcels of off-reservation trust land extend into Stanley, Haakon, and Meade counties, further illustrating the intricate geographical footprint of this sovereign nation.
The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation is the ancestral homeland of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST), also known as the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation (Oyate). This vibrant community is composed of members representing four distinct bands of the Lakota, historically recognized as Teton Sioux: the Minnecoujou, known for their swiftness and horsemanship; the Two Kettle (Oohenunpa), named for their unique cooking pots; the Sans Arc (Itazipco), meaning "Those Without Bows," a name shrouded in historical debate; and the Blackfoot (Si Sapa), not to be confused with the Blackfoot Confederacy of Montana and Canada. These bands, each with their own unique history and traditions, collectively form the strong cultural fabric of the CRST.
Geographically, the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation is a significant landmass. Spanning a total area of 4,266.987 square miles (11,051.447 square kilometers), it ranks as the fourth-largest Indian reservation in the United States. Within its borders, the unincorporated community of North Eagle Butte serves as the largest population center, while the adjacent town of Eagle Butte holds the distinction of being the largest incorporated city. These communities serve as vital hubs for commerce, administration, and social life within the reservation.
The history of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation is inextricably linked to the tumultuous relationship between the Lakota people and the United States government. The reservation’s creation in 1889 was a direct consequence of the U.S. government’s victory over the Lakota in a series of wars fought throughout the 1870s. These conflicts arose from the encroachment of settlers and the U.S. government’s desire to control the vast territories traditionally inhabited by the Lakota.
Prior to the establishment of individual reservations, the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868 had established the Great Sioux Reservation, a sprawling territory encompassing parts of six states, including both North and South Dakota. This treaty, however, proved to be short-lived. Subsequent treaties enacted in the 1870s and 1880s systematically dismantled the Great Sioux Reservation, dividing it into several smaller, more manageable reservations, including the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. This fragmentation of land and resources had a profound and lasting impact on the Lakota people.
Initially, the Cheyenne River Reservation covered an area exceeding 5,000 square miles. However, over time, its size has diminished. Today, it encompasses 4,266.987 square miles (11,051.447 square kilometers). The original northern boundary of the reservation was defined by the Grand River. However, in the early 20th century, a portion of land south of the Grand River was ceded to the neighboring Standing Rock Reservation, further altering the geographical landscape.
The Land Acts of 1909 and 1910 represent another significant chapter in the history of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. These acts opened up vast tracts of reservation land to non-Native settlement, leading to a significant loss of territory for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. While the northern part of the reservation was particularly affected by these land cessions, the southern section, comprising 1,514,652 acres or 2,366 square miles, remained under tribal control.
In the early 20th century, following the relocation of Ute people to the area in 1906 and 1907, four townships, totaling 92,160 acres, were set aside for their use within the former northern part of the Cheyenne River Reservation. This area is now home to the communities of Iron Lightning and Thunder Butte, adding to the diverse cultural tapestry of the region.
The legacy of Chief Sitting Bull, a renowned Lakota leader and spiritual figure, is deeply intertwined with the history of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. In the 1880s, Sitting Bull resided on the reservation, holding a particular fondness for the Grand River area, which at the time served as the boundary between the Cheyenne River Reservation and the Standing Rock Reservation.
In December 1890, fearing that Sitting Bull was planning to lead an exodus off the reservation, the United States government ordered his arrest. A force of 39 Indian policemen and four volunteers was dispatched to his residence near the Grand River on December 16, 1890. Initially, Sitting Bull cooperated, but tensions escalated as he was led outside and observed a gathering of his supporters. A battle ensued, resulting in the tragic death of Sitting Bull and his son, along with 16 others.
Following Sitting Bull’s death, his half-brother, Spotted Elk (also known as Big Foot), led a group of approximately 350 people off the Cheyenne River Reservation, seeking refuge to the south. On December 28, 1890, they were captured on the Pine Ridge Reservation, approximately 30 miles east of the settlement of Pine Ridge. The following day, they were attacked by over 500 U.S. Army soldiers in what became known as the Wounded Knee Massacre.
The Wounded Knee Massacre resulted in the deaths of an estimated 150 to 300 Lakota people, many of whom were women and children. The survivors scattered, with some settling on the Pine Ridge Reservation and others returning to the Cheyenne River Reservation. The northern border of the Cheyenne River Reservation has since been redefined, no longer following the course of the Grand River. However, the present-day settlements along the Grand River remain predominantly Algonquian in character.
In 1948, the U.S. government initiated a project to dam the Missouri River for the purposes of electrical power generation and flood control. This project resulted in the submergence of approximately 8% of the remaining reservation land, further impacting the lives and livelihoods of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
The geographical boundaries of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation are defined by the Standing Rock Indian Reservation to the north, Meade and Perkins Counties to the west, the Cheyenne River to the south, and the Missouri River and Lake Oahe to the east. While the reservation encompasses a defined geographical area, much of the land within its borders is privately owned. The headquarters of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) agency are located in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. The reservation is accessible via U.S. Highway 212.
According to the 2000 census, the population of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation was 8,470. Many of the 13 small communities located on the reservation lack adequate water systems, posing significant challenges to public health and sanitation. In recent years, efforts have been made to construct water systems that tap into the Missouri Main Stem reservoirs, such as Lake Oahe, which borders the eastern edge of the reservation.
Economic opportunities on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation are limited, resulting in high rates of unemployment among tribal members. A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, surviving on incomes far below the national average. These challenging economic conditions have contributed to feelings of hopelessness and despair, particularly among the youth. Studies have indicated alarmingly high rates of suicidal ideation and attempts among young women on the reservation.
In an effort to improve healthcare access for tribal members, a modern medical center was under construction in Eagle Butte as of 2009, aimed at replacing an outdated facility.
In January 2010, a severe blizzard and ice storm swept across the reservation, causing widespread damage to infrastructure. As many as 3,000 power lines were downed, leaving thousands of residents without power, heat, or water. The response to this disaster was initially slow, with limited media attention and legislative action. While the state government declared a state of emergency, the situation remained dire for many weeks. Power was eventually restored to most residents by February 12, 2010, but the overall impact of the storm was devastating.
The plight of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation gained national attention when television commentator Keith Olbermann highlighted the situation on his program, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, on February 14, 2010. This coverage sparked a significant outpouring of support, with more than $250,000 in donations raised within 48 hours. By February 24, 2010, the total amount of donations had exceeded $400,000, providing much-needed relief to the affected communities.
Considering the original 1880s reservation boundaries, the communities of Bullhead, Little Eagle, and Wakpala can rightfully be included within the historical context of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Similarly, Iron Lightning and Thunder Butte, located in the area set aside for the Ute people, also hold a place in the reservation’s history. Nearly all communities on the reservation, including the land area lost in the 1909 and 1910 Land Acts, are predominantly Native American. Many of these communities are small and face significant economic challenges, ranking among the poorest in the United States.
However, Eagle Butte and North Eagle Butte, which function as a single community, represent a relative success story. The main street in Eagle Butte resembles that of a typical American town with a population of 2,000 to 3,000 people. Notably, much of Eagle Butte is located off-reservation land.
Other communities located on the reservation include: [List of communities would go here, if available in the original article]
Notable tribal members: [List of notable tribal members would go here, if available in the original article]