South Dakota Indian Reservations

South Dakota, a state renowned for its vast prairies, the iconic Mount Rushmore, and a rich Native American heritage, is home to several Indian Reservations. These reservations are not just geographical locations; they are vibrant centers of culture, history, and resilience for the indigenous tribes who call them home. This article delves into the history, geography, and cultural significance of these reservations, offering a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations who reside within their borders. Understanding these reservations is crucial to grasping the complex history of the United States and its relationship with its indigenous peoples. The article South Dakota Indian Reservations provide a valuable overview of these important lands.

(Map Image Description: A map of South Dakota highlighting the locations of the various Indian Reservations within the state.)

A Brief History of South Dakota Indian Reservations

The establishment of Indian Reservations in South Dakota, like in many other states, is a direct consequence of treaties and agreements made between the U.S. government and various Native American tribes during the 19th century. These treaties, often signed under duress, resulted in the ceding of vast ancestral lands to the United States, with reservations designated as areas where tribes could maintain some level of self-governance and preserve their culture. The history is fraught with conflict, broken promises, and forced assimilation attempts, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the lives of Native Americans in South Dakota today. This history is vital to understanding the present state of South Dakota Indian Reservations.

Overview of South Dakota’s Indian Reservations

South Dakota is home to nine federally recognized Indian Reservations, each with its unique history, tribal affiliation, and geographical characteristics. These reservations are:

1. Crow Creek Indian Reservation: Located in central South Dakota, primarily along the Missouri River, Crow Creek is home to the Lower Yanktonai, Lower Brule, Miniconjou, and Two Kettle (Oohenonpa) Sioux tribes.

   • Acres: 111,711
   • Established: Initially established through an order of the department on July 1, 1863, followed by the treaty of April 29, 1868, and subsequent executive orders and acts of Congress. The process of land allotment played a significant role in shaping the reservation’s boundaries.

2. Lake Traverse Indian Reservation (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate): Situated in the northeastern part of the state, Lake Traverse is the home of the Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux tribes.

   • Tribes: Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux
   • Established: Established by Treaty of Feb. 19, 1867 (xv, 505); agreement of Sept. 20, 1872, confirmed in Indian appropriation act approved June 22, 1874 (xviii, 167); agreement of Dec. 12, 1889, ratified by act of Mar. 3, 1891 (xxvi, 1035-1038). 309,904.92 acres were allotted to 1,339 Indians, 32,840.25 acres reserved for school purposes, 1,347.01 acres for church and agency purposes, and the residue, 574,678.40 acres, was opened to settlement by the President’s proclamation of Apr. 11, 1892 (xxvii, 1017).

3. Cheyenne River Indian Reservation: One of the largest reservations in the state, Cheyenne River spans across north-central South Dakota and is home to the Blackfeet (Sihasapa), Miniconjou, Sans Arcs, and Two Kettle (Oohenonpa) Sioux tribes.

   • Acres: 2,547,209
   • Established: Established through the Treaty of April 29, 1868, and subsequent executive orders, agreements, and acts of Congress. The reservation’s boundaries have been modified over time through various legislative actions and presidential proclamations.

4. Lower Brule Indian Reservation: Located along the Missouri River in central South Dakota, Lower Brule is the home of the Lower Brule and Lower Yanktonai Sioux tribes.

   • Acres: 199,730
   • Established: Established by Treaty of Apr. 29, 1868 (xv, 630); Executive orders, Jan. 11, Mar. 16, and May 20, 1875, and Nov. 28, 1876; agreement, ratified by act of Feb. 28, 1877 (xIx, 254); Executive orders, Aug. 9, 1879, and Mar. 20, 1884; Unratified agreement of Oct. 17,1882. (For modification see sundry civil appropriation act approved Mar. 3, 1883 (xxII, 624): for text see Misc. Indian Docs. xiv, 305). Act of Apr. 30, 1888 (xxv, 94), not accepted. Act of Mar. 2, 1889 (xxv, 888); President’s proclamation of Feb. 10, 1890 (xxvi, 1554); act of Feb. 20, 1896 (xxIx,10); agreement made Mar. 1, 1898, ratified by act of Mar. 3,1899 (xxx, 1362), ceding 120,000 acres to the United States. 151,856 acres were allotted to 555 Indians, and 964.06 acres reserved for agency, school, and religious purposes, leaving unallotted and unreserved 199,729.94 acres. See act of Apr.21, 1906 (xxxiv, 124), and President’s proclamation of Aug. 12, 1907.

5. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation: Situated in southwestern South Dakota, Pine Ridge is one of the largest reservations in the United States and the home of the Oglala Lakota tribe. It’s also the location of Wounded Knee, a site of immense historical and spiritual significance.

   • Acres: 1,943,121
   • Established: Treaty of Apr. 29, 1868 (xv, 630); Executive orders, Jan. 11, Mar. 16, and May 20, 1875, and Nov. 28, 1876; agreement, ratified by act of Feb. 28, 1877 (xIx, 254); Executive orders, Aug. 9, 1879, and Mar. 20, 1884; Unratified agreement of Oct. 17,1882. (For modification see sundry civil appropriation act approved Mar. 3, 1883 (xxII, 624): for text see Misc. Indian Docs. xiv, 305). Act of Apr. 30, 1888 (xxv, 94), not accepted. Act of Mar. 2, 1889 (xxv, 888); President’s proclamation of Feb. 10, 1890 (xxvi, 1554); act of Feb. 20, 1896 (xxIx,10); A tract of 32,000 acres in Nebraska was set apart by Executive order of Jan. 24, 1882, and was restored to the public domain by Executive order of Jan. 25, 1904, and by Executive order of Feb. 20,1904, 610 acres of this land were set apart for Indian school purposes, constituting the Sioux additional tract. (See Nebraska.) Under act of Mar. 2,1889 (xxv,888), and authority of President of July 29,1904, 854,989.51 acres have been allotted to 2,604 Indians, and 11,333.68 acres reserved for agency school, and church purposes, aggregating 866,323.19 acres, leaving unallotted and unreserved 1,943,120.74 acres. Lands in process of allotment.

6. Rosebud Indian Reservation: Located in south-central South Dakota, Rosebud is home to the Sicangu Lakota (Upper Brule Sioux) tribe.

   • Acres: 1,524,210
   • Established: Treaty of Apr. 29, 1868 (xv, 635); Executive orders, Jan. 11, Mar. 16, and May 20, 1875, and Nov. 28, 1876; agreement ratified by act of Feb. 28,1877 (xix, 254); Executive orders, Aug. 9,1879, and Mar. 20, 1884. Unratified agreement of Oct. 17,1882. (For modification see sundry civil appropriation act approved Mar. 3,1883, xxii, 624; for text see Misc. Indian Docs., xiv, 305.) Act of Apr. 30,1888 (xxv, 94) not accepted. Act of Mar. 2, 1889, xxv, 888). President’s proclamation of Feb 10, 1890 (xxvi,1554). (See act of Feb.20,1896, xxix,10. 1,258,558.35 acres allotted to 4,914 Sioux Indians. 416,000 acres opened to settlement, 29,392.01 acres reserved for Government purposes, churches, cemeteries, etc. The residue, 1,524,209.64 acres, unallotted and unreserved. Lands now in process of allotment. Agreement made Mar. 10,1898, ratified by act of Mar. 3,1899 (xxx,1364). Act of April 23,1904 (xxxiii, 254) ratifying agreement made Sept. 14, 1901. President’s proclamation of May 16, 1904 (xxxiiI, 2354).
7. Standing Rock Indian Reservation: Straddling the border between North and South Dakota, Standing Rock is home to members of the Lakota and Dakota tribes. It gained significant attention in recent years due to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

8. Yankton Indian Reservation: Located in southeastern South Dakota, Yankton is the home of the Yankton Sioux tribe.

   • Tribes: Yankton Sioux
   • Established: Treaty of Apr. 19,1858 (xi, 744). 268,567.72 acres were allotted to 2,649 Indians, and 1,252.89 acres reserved for agency, church, and school purposes, pursuant to an agreement made Dec. 31, 1892, ratified by act of Congress approved Aug. 15,1894 (xxvII, 314); the residue was opened to settlement by the President’s proclamation of May 16,1895 (xxIx, 865).
9. Flandreau Indian Reservation (also known as the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe): Situated in eastern South Dakota, this reservation is home to the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe.

Cultural Significance and Traditions

These South Dakota Indian Reservations are more than just land; they are the heart of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota cultures. Within these reservations, traditions are kept alive through storytelling, ceremonies, art, and language. The Lakota language, for example, is actively being preserved and taught in schools and communities across the reservations.

Powwows, vibrant gatherings filled with music, dance, and regalia, are a central part of reservation life. They are a celebration of Native American culture, a time for families to come together, and an opportunity to share traditions with visitors. The intricate beadwork, quillwork, and other forms of Native American art are also integral to the cultural fabric of the reservations, with many artists passing down their skills through generations.

Economic and Social Challenges

Despite their rich cultural heritage, South Dakota Indian Reservations face significant economic and social challenges. Poverty, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare and education are persistent issues. The historical trauma of forced assimilation and land dispossession continues to impact communities, contributing to higher rates of substance abuse and mental health problems.

However, there is also a strong spirit of resilience and self-determination within these communities. Tribal governments are working to improve economic opportunities through initiatives such as tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy projects. Efforts are also underway to address social issues through culturally relevant programs that promote healing, education, and community development.

Contemporary Issues and Self-Determination

Today, South Dakota Indian Reservations are at the forefront of important contemporary issues, including treaty rights, environmental protection, and self-governance. The Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock brought national attention to the ongoing struggle to protect sacred sites and water resources from development.

Tribal governments are increasingly asserting their sovereignty and working to exercise greater control over their own affairs. This includes managing natural resources, developing tribal courts, and establishing their own educational systems. The pursuit of self-determination is a central goal for many tribes in South Dakota, as they strive to build a brighter future for their people while preserving their cultural heritage. Understanding these contemporary issues is essential to understanding the future of South Dakota Indian Reservations.

Visiting South Dakota Indian Reservations

Visitors are welcome to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of South Dakota Indian Reservations. Many reservations offer cultural tourism opportunities, including guided tours, powwows, and cultural centers. However, it is important to remember that these are sovereign nations with their own laws and customs. Visitors should be respectful of local traditions and seek permission before entering private land or engaging in activities such as photography.

By visiting South Dakota Indian Reservations, you have the opportunity to learn about Native American history and culture firsthand, support local economies, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of these vibrant communities.

Conclusion

The South Dakota Indian Reservations are a vital part of the state’s history, culture, and identity. They are home to resilient communities who are working to preserve their traditions, overcome challenges, and build a brighter future for generations to come. By understanding the history, geography, and cultural significance of these reservations, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the United States and its relationship with its indigenous peoples. The article South Dakota Indian Reservations serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the history and culture of these lands and their people. The information provided here aims to educate and inspire a greater understanding of these important communities.