Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation

Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation
Name	Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation
Coordinates	48.83, -99.92
State	North Dakota
County	Rolette County
Tribe	Chippewa
Population	5,815
Population as of	2010
Area	72 sq mi

Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation is a Chippewa reservation located in Rolette County and Williams County in the United States. The reservation is home to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized tribe that is part of the larger Anishinaabe people, which also includes the Ojibwe and Odawa. The reservation is situated near the Canada–United States border and is close to the cities of Dunseith and Rolla. The reservation is also near the Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri River, which are important waterways in the region.

Geography

The reservation covers an area of approximately 72 square miles and is located in the northeastern part of North Dakota. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and lakes, including Lake Upsilon and Powers Lake]. The reservation is also home to several streams and rivers, including the Turtle River and the Forest River. The nearby cities of Minot and Grand Forks provide access to amenities and services, including the Minot International Airport and the Grand Forks International Airport. The reservation is also close to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Lake Sakakawea State Park, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation.

History

The Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation was established in 1882 by the United States Congress through the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation Act. The reservation was created to provide a homeland for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who had been forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in Canada and Minnesota. The reservation has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleoindian period. The reservation is also home to several important historical sites, including the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation Historic District and the Dunseith Historic Village. The reservation has been visited by several notable figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who all played important roles in shaping the history of the region.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of the reservation was 5,815 people, with a median age of 25.4 years. The population is predominantly Chippewa, with smaller numbers of Cree and Metis people. The reservation has a high percentage of young people, with over 30% of the population under the age of 18. The reservation is also home to several communities, including Dunseith, Rolla, and Belcourt, which provide amenities and services to residents. The nearby cities of Minot and Grand Forks also provide access to education and employment opportunities, including Minot State University and the University of North Dakota.

Economy

The economy of the reservation is primarily based on agriculture, with major crops including wheat, barley, and sunflowers. The reservation is also home to several ranches, which raise cattle and bison. The nearby Lake Sakakawea and Missouri River provide opportunities for fishing and tourism, with several fishing guides and tour operators based on the reservation. The reservation is also home to several small businesses, including gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants, which provide employment opportunities for residents. The nearby cities of Minot and Grand Forks also provide access to larger employers, including the Minot Air Force Base and the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Government

The Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation is governed by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal Council, which is composed of several elected representatives. The council is responsible for providing services to residents, including health care, education, and law enforcement. The reservation is also subject to the jurisdiction of the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs and the United States Department of the Interior. The reservation has its own court system, which is responsible for enforcing tribal laws and regulations. The nearby cities of Minot and Grand Forks also provide access to state and federal government services, including the North Dakota State Capitol and the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota.

Education

The reservation is served by the Turtle Mountain Community Schools, which provide education to students from kindergarten to high school. The schools are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and offer a range of programs, including special education and vocational training. The nearby cities of Minot and Grand Forks also provide access to higher education opportunities, including Minot State University and the University of North Dakota. The reservation is also home to the Turtle Mountain Community College, which offers associate's degree programs in several fields, including business and health sciences. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.

Category:Indian reservations in North Dakota