Crow Creek Indian Reservation

Crow Creek Indian Reservation is a Native American reservation located in central South Dakota, along the Missouri River, near the cities of Chamberlain and Fort Thompson. The reservation is home to the Mdewakanton Sioux and is part of the Great Sioux Reservation, which was established by the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. The reservation is also near the Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case, which are popular for fishing and boating. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is a federally recognized tribe and has its own tribal government, which is headquartered in Fort Thompson.

Geography

The Crow Creek Indian Reservation is located in central South Dakota, in Buffalo County and Hyde County. The reservation covers an area of 421.658 square miles and is situated along the Missouri River, which forms the eastern boundary of the reservation. The reservation is also near the Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case, which are popular for fishing and boating. The Big Bend Dam and the Fort Randall Dam are also located near the reservation, and are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The reservation is surrounded by the Prairie Pothole Region, which is a unique ecosystem that is home to a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl and upland game birds.

History

The Crow Creek Indian Reservation was established in 1862, when the US Congress passed a law that set aside land for the Mdewakanton Sioux and other Sioux tribes. The reservation was originally part of the Great Sioux Reservation, which was established by the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. However, the reservation was later reduced in size through a series of land cessions, including the Dawes Act of 1887 and the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The reservation has a rich cultural heritage, with many historical sites and archaeological sites that date back to the pre-Columbian era. The Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, which occurred near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, had a significant impact on the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and other Sioux tribes in the region. The Battle of Little Bighorn and the Battle of the Rosebud also occurred in the region, and are remembered as significant events in the history of the American West.

Demographics

As of the 2000 census, the population of the Crow Creek Indian Reservation was 2,225. The reservation has a total area of 421.658 square miles, and a population density of 5.3 people per square mile. The median household income on the reservation is $2,436, and the per capita income is $6,490. The reservation has a high poverty rate, with 43.6% of the population living below the poverty line. The unemployment rate on the reservation is also high, with 83.6% of the population unemployed. The reservation is served by the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which provide a range of social services and economic development programs. The Indian Health Service also provides health care services to the reservation, including primary care and specialty care.

Economy

The economy of the Crow Creek Indian Reservation is primarily based on agriculture and ranching, with many farms and ranches located on the reservation. The reservation is also home to a number of small businesses, including retail stores and service stations. The tourism industry is also an important part of the reservation's economy, with many visitors coming to the area to enjoy outdoor recreation activities such as hunting and fishing. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe also operates a number of economic development programs, including a tribal casino and a tribal convenience store. The reservation is also home to a number of natural resources, including coal and uranium, which are mined by companies such as Peabody Energy and Cameco. The US Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management also play a role in managing the reservation's natural resources.

Government

The Crow Creek Indian Reservation is governed by the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, which is a federally recognized tribe. The tribe has its own tribal government, which is headquartered in Fort Thompson. The tribal government is responsible for providing a range of social services and economic development programs to the reservation, including law enforcement and public health services. The Bureau of Indian Affairs also provides technical assistance and financial support to the tribe, including grant funding and loan guarantees. The US Congress has also passed a number of laws that affect the reservation, including the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978. The Supreme Court of the United States has also heard a number of cases related to the reservation, including McClanahan v. Arizona State Tax Commission and Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Justice also have jurisdiction over the reservation, and work with the tribal police to investigate and prosecute crimes.

Category:Native American reservations in South Dakota