The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of the Cheyenne River Reservation, a federally recognized tribe, is a vibrant community deeply rooted in the heart of South Dakota. This tribe is not a monolithic entity but rather a confederation of four distinct bands of the Great Sioux Nation, each with its own history, customs, and contributions to the collective identity. These bands are the Minneconjou, the Two Kettle (Oohenunpa), the Sans Arc (Itazipco), and the Blackfoot Sioux (Si Sapa). The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of the Cheyenne River Reservation stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Lakota people.
Location and Territory
The tribe’s presence is primarily concentrated on the Cheyenne River Reservation, situated in Dewey and Ziebach Counties, South Dakota. Encompassing approximately 1.4 million acres, it is the fourth-largest Indian reservation by land area in the United States. The vastness of this land speaks to the historical significance of the territory to the Sioux Nation. Eagle Butte, South Dakota, serves as the tribal headquarters, a central hub for governance and community activities. The reservation operates on Mountain Time.
Historically, the Great Sioux Nation held sway over an expansive territory stretching from the Big Horn Mountains in the west to eastern Wisconsin. Its reach extended north into Canada and south to the Republican River in Kansas. This vast domain reflected the power and influence of the Sioux people before the encroachment of westward expansion. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of the Cheyenne River Reservation, therefore, represents a fragment of a once much larger and more autonomous nation.
Tribal Governance and Structure
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe operates under a constitution and bylaws approved on December 17, 1935, under the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA). The governing body is the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council, composed of fifteen members representing thirteen election districts or communities within the reservation. This council is responsible for making decisions that affect the welfare and future of the tribe.
Executive leadership is provided by four officers: a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected at-large for four-year terms, while the Vice-Chairman is selected from the council membership for a two-year term. Elections are held every two years for council members from each district, ensuring consistent representation and responsiveness to the needs of the community. The primary election occurs on the second Tuesday of August, and the general election coincides with national elections on the first Tuesday in November.
Cultural Identity and Language
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of the Cheyenne River Reservation belongs to the Teton division of the Great Sioux Nation, also known as the Lakota. The Lakota language, a dialect of the Siouan language family, is a vital component of the tribe’s cultural identity. Linguists classify Lakota within the Dakotan subgroup of Mississippi Valley Siouan languages. While some scholars propose connections to Caddoan and Iroquoian languages within a broader Macro-Siouan family, these links remain under investigation.
The Lakota language is spoken by approximately 20,500 people. Efforts to preserve and revitalize the language are essential for maintaining cultural continuity and transmitting traditional knowledge to future generations.
The traditional names of the four bands that constitute the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe offer insight into their distinct identities:
- Mnikoju (Planters by the Water): This name reflects a connection to agriculture and the importance of water resources.
- Siha Sapa (Black Foot): The origin of this name is debated, but it may relate to the color of moccasins or the soil in their traditional territory.
- Owohe Nupa (Two Kettle): This name’s meaning is not definitively known, but several oral accounts describe how this band became known as Two Kettle.
- Itazipa Cola (Without Bows): This name likely refers to a historical incident or characteristic related to weaponry.
Historical Overview
The history of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of the Cheyenne River Reservation is intertwined with the broader narrative of the Great Sioux Nation and its interactions with the United States government. In 1660, French explorers estimated the total Sioux population (Lakota, Santee, Yankton, and Yanktonai) at 28,000. The Lakota population alone was estimated at 8,500 in 1805, growing to 16,110 in 1881. Notably, the Lakota were one of the few Indigenous tribes to experience population growth during the 19th century. Today, the Lakota number around 70,000.
Key treaties, such as the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, sought to define the relationship between the Sioux Nation and the United States. This treaty initially granted the Sioux a vast territory, but subsequent events led to its erosion. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 triggered a gold rush, violating the treaty and leading to conflict. General George A. Custer’s infamous defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 marked a significant victory for the Lakota and their allies, the Cheyenne and Arapaho.
Despite this victory, the United States government pressured the Sioux to cede their lands, culminating in the illegal seizure of the Black Hills through the "Sell or Starve Bill" of 1877. The Allotment Act of 1888 further divided the Sioux Nation by allotting individual land parcels, while the Act of 1889 fragmented the Great Sioux Reservation into smaller reservations, including the Cheyenne River Reservation.
The Ghost Dance movement, which promised a return to traditional ways and the removal of white settlers, spread among the Sioux in the late 19th century. Fearing unrest, the U.S. Army ordered the arrest of Sitting Bull in 1890, resulting in his death at the hands of Indian Police. The subsequent Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890, stands as a tragic symbol of the violence and injustice inflicted upon the Lakota people.
Modern Life and Culture
Today, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of the Cheyenne River Reservation strives to preserve its cultural heritage while navigating the challenges of modern life. The tribe operates the Cheyenne River Community College in Eagle Butte, providing educational opportunities for its members. KLNM 89.5 FM, a radio station in McLaughlin, SD, serves the community, broadcasting news, music, and cultural programming. Local newspapers, such as the Eagle Butte News and the West River Progress, keep residents informed about local events and issues.
The tribe maintains connections with its traditional allies, the Arapaho, while acknowledging historical conflicts with groups such as the Ojibway, Anishnaabe, Cree, Arikara, Mandan, and Hidatsa. Oral traditions and legends continue to be passed down through generations, preserving the tribe’s rich history and spiritual beliefs.
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is actively engaged in economic development initiatives, aiming to improve the quality of life for its members. The tribe also works to address social and health challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and access to healthcare.
Notable Figures
Throughout history, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has produced many notable figures who have contributed to the tribe’s resilience and cultural richness.
- Big Foot (Spotted Elk): A Minneconjou chief known for his wisdom and respect for individual rights, he was tragically killed at the Wounded Knee Massacre.
- Sitting Bull: A renowned Hunkpapa Lakota chief and spiritual leader, he lived on the Cheyenne River Reservation and played a pivotal role in resisting U.S. government policies.
- Black Hawk: A Sans Arc artist and medicine man, his artwork provides valuable insights into Lakota culture.
- Madonna Swan: A Lakota author from the Cheyenne River Reservation, her writings explore themes of identity, history, and resilience.
- Arvol Looking Horse: The 19th-generation keeper of the Sacred Pipe of the Great Sioux Nation, he is a respected spiritual leader and advocate for Indigenous rights.
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of the Cheyenne River Reservation continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, drawing strength from its rich cultural heritage and its unwavering commitment to self-determination. The enduring spirit of the Lakota people serves as an inspiration to all who seek justice, equality, and the preservation of cultural identity.