The Devils Lake Sioux Indian Reservation, a significant area in east-central North Dakota, has a rich history and unique characteristics. This article provides an overview of the reservation, focusing on its location, access, population demographics, topography, climate, housing, public facilities, and environmental concerns, based on historical data and observations. The Devils Lake Sioux Indian Reservation remains a vital center for its community.
Location and Service Area
The Fort Totten Service Unit serves the members of the Devils Lake Sioux Indian Reservation. According to the Indian Health Service (IHS) User Population Estimates for FY-1991, the service unit catered to approximately 4,439 individuals. Geographically, the service unit encompasses a substantial portion of four counties in North Dakota: Benson, Eddy, Nelson, and Ramsey. The total area covered by the service unit is approximately 4,282 square miles. The community of Fort Totten, which houses both the health center and the tribal government offices, is situated roughly 200 miles from the Aberdeen Area Office.
Accessibility and Transportation
The reservation is connected by a network of roads, offering varying degrees of accessibility. The four primary communities within the reservation, namely Fort Totten, St. Michael, Crow Hill, and Tokio/Wood Lake, are linked by state-maintained paved highways, ensuring relatively smooth transit between these key locations. However, access to smaller towns and rural homes relies on secondary roads and graveled county roads, which are often poorly maintained, posing challenges for transportation.
Vehicle ownership among residents is common, although the reliability of these vehicles can be a concern. For those without personal transportation, access to vehicles through relatives or friends is a typical solution. Recognizing the needs of its elderly population, the tribe operates a Senior Citizen van, providing transportation for various purposes.
The Community Health Representatives offer patient transportation during weekdays. However, no private carrier or transport service operates within the reservation. Residents requiring such services must travel to Devils Lake, a city located north of the reservation, to access bus, train, and airline services.
Population Demographics
The 1992 Census population for the service unit was projected at 3,674, based on data from the 1990 Census. The population density within the service unit is sparse, with approximately one person per square mile, reflecting the rural nature of the area.
Based on the 1980 Census, the median age of the service unit resident population was approximately 17 years old. This figure highlights a significantly younger population compared to both North Dakota State (28.3 years) and the U.S. All Races (30 years). The average number of persons per Indian family was 5.18, contrasting with 3.27 for North Dakota State and 3.8 for the U.S. All Races, indicating larger family sizes within the reservation.
The population is dispersed throughout the service unit, with concentrations in the main communities mentioned earlier. Three small incorporated towns—Warwick, Hamar, and Oberon—fall within the reservation boundaries and have predominantly Indian populations. Additionally, the city of Devils Lake, located 13 miles north of the reservation but within the service unit boundary, is home to many Indian families and serves as the major commercial center for reservation residents.
Topography and Climate
The Devils Lake Sioux Indian Reservation’s landscape is characterized by its proximity to significant bodies of water. The northern and western boundaries of the reservation border Devils Lake, which is the largest natural lake in North Dakota. The southern boundary is marked by the Cheyenne River.
The terrain along the lake and river is forested, adding to the scenic beauty of the area. Beyond these areas, the landscape transitions into rolling prairie hills, which are used as high-quality farmland and pastureland.
The climate in the region is known for its extremes. Temperatures can drop below -30°F during the winter months, while summer temperatures can range between 70°F and 100°F. Rainfall is moderate, averaging approximately 25 inches per year.
Housing and Public Facilities
Housing options within the reservation consist of tribal low-rent housing units, HUD homes, and mutual self-help homes, primarily located in the four major reservation communities. In the summer of 1988, 45 HUD housing units were constructed and occupied. Rural farmsteads consist of privately owned homes and mutual help scatter sites.
Government quarters are maintained primarily by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The IHS has limited employee quarters, necessitating arrangements to share existing BIA units with both IHS personnel and the tribe.
Rental and private purchase housing options are available in Devils Lake, which is within commuting distance from Fort Totten.
Environmental Concerns
In 1996, tribal environmental staff identified the lack of a solid waste dump site as a major environmental problem on the reservation. This deficiency posed potential health hazards to reservation residents, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices. This issue remains a significant environmental challenge for the Devils Lake Sioux Indian Reservation.
Conclusion
The Devils Lake Sioux Indian Reservation represents a unique community within North Dakota, characterized by its distinctive geographical location, demographic profile, and environmental challenges. Understanding these aspects provides valuable insight into the lives and experiences of the people who call this area home.
