Community Info Sheet
Cheyenne River Population: Eagle Butte: 1,205 Cheyenne River Reservation: 8,090 (including 6,640 Lakota)
History of the Cheyenne River Reservation: The Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1868 created the Great Sioux Reservation; a single reservation covering parts of six states including both North and South Dakota. Not long after this treaty was signed, wars were fought over the natural resources in the area – predominately gold found in the Black Hills. This led to Congress seizing the land in 1877. The Great Sioux Reservation consequently broke into several smaller reservations. The Cheyenne River Reservation was officially formed in1889 for the Minnicoujou band of Lakota.
History of the Wounded Knee Massacre: In the years after the Lakota lost their land, tensions were running high between the Lakota and the US government. In December of 1890 That year, 350 Lakota led by Chief Spotted Elk (also known as Big Foot), left the “Sioux” or “Lakota”? Cheyenne River Reservation and traveled south to the Pine Ridge Reservation to seek refuge from friends. During this o Historic enemies of this tribe used a version of journey on December 28, 1890, a few soldiers of the 7th the word Sioux- roughly translated to mean “little snakes” or “little enemies”. Calvary met up with Spotted Elk’s group. The soldiers, not o Using Sioux is offensive to most Lakota people. wanting to incite violence, escorted the Lakota people to o Refer to this tribe as Lakota Wounded Knee Creek to camp for the night. While o There are 7 bands of Lakota, the Cheyenne Spotted Elk’s crew slept, the rest of the 7th Calvary arrived River Reservation is home to the Minnicoujou which brought the total number of soldiers to 500. Then band open conflict began. While the soldiers were trying to disarm some of Spotted Elk’s men, a gun was discharged (no one knows from which side) and after an initial exchange of gunfire from both sides, the US soldiers began firing indiscriminately at the people in the camp.
Outnumbered and far outgunned, (the elderly, women and children were all unarmed) an estimated 150 were killed, and about 50 were wounded (although some sources estimate this number to be as high as 300 dead). The dead were buried in a mass grave three days later. This event marked the end of the resistance of the Lakota people against the US government, and the resignation to living on a fraction of land they once occupied. Some scholars would argue that the Lakota people are still experiencing historical trauma from this massacre, and the social problems that occur on the reservations today can be linked to this event.
History of YW in Cheyenne River: YouthWorks began serving alongside the Cheyenne River Reservation in 2011. Despite our shorter tenure in Eagle Butte than some other Native American communities, we have been able to create many meaningful relationships on the reservation. Compared to other reservation towns, Eagle Butte has many social service organizations and other industries. Because of this, we have been able to partner with great organizations who do work year-round to serve the people of Eagle Butte and the surrounding communities that make up the Cheyenne River Reservation.
Community Info Sheet
Why is YouthWorks on the Cheyenne River Reservation? Eagle Butte is the tribal is the tribal headquarters for the Minnecoujou band of the Lakota Sioux on the Cheyenne River Reservation. Despite the community’s efforts, the area has widespread generational poverty that manifests itself in issues such as homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Many historical factors, including the Wounded Knee Massacre and the violation of the Treaty of Fort Laramie by the United States' government, as well as a lack of local infrastructure and economic opportunities, have contributed to these issues.
YouthWorks exists in Eagle Butte to serve alongside the community to meet these areas of need and to learn about local Cheyenne River Census Stats: culture and history. Participants are able to partner with locals to continue community-initiated programs such as the Mustard Seed Race: soup kitchen and construction of the Mustard Seed Village. These • 91.4% Native programs provide food and shelter for those experiencing • 5.73% White homelessness and food insecurity. Kid's Club programming • 1.66% Hispanic provides a safe, fun, and constructive outlet for local community children to stay busy throughout the summer. Work projects People All Ages Below Poverty Level: help to provide minor home repairs for residents who are unable 47% to physically or financially complete these projects on their own. Speak Language Other Than English at This community is also a great introduction to Lakota culture Home: 16.4% through offering an immersive experience along with culturally- Median Household Income: $26,607 focused speakers and programming. Finally, Eagle Butte is a good place to teach youth about the history about Native Americans and begin conversations regarding generational and systemic poverty.
Issues on Cheyenne River Reservation: While the wide-open spaces appear gorgeous and serene at first glance, a deeper look tells more of the story. People living on the Cheyenne River Reservation face some of the harshest weather conditions imaginable. From extreme heat and drought in the summer to fierce winter storms, South Dakota weather presents unique challenges. Ziebach County – part of the Cheyenne River Reservation – has the highest child poverty rate in the nation with a child poverty rate of 70.1%. Many of the 13 communities on the reservation do not have suitable water systems; this makes sanitation and general hygiene serious issues. According to Tribal Housing (via the Census Data), 14.7% of reservation residents live in over-crowded conditions, compared to just 5.7% of the rest of the United States.
Positive Opportunities and Why Serving Matters: • Relationships: You will be able to create new and meaningful relationships throughout the summer. As a result, you will have the opportunity to learn from incredible people doing great things on the reservation.
• Encouragement and support: Many of our service partners and friends work tirelessly year-round to serve people in the community. We bring fresh energy and encouragement, in addition to willing hands, to provide a great boost to their work.
• Breakdown of stereotypes: During our time in the community, we will be exposed to a wide range of people from many walks of life. By listening to stories and engaging in meaningful conversation, our perspectives will be challenged and shaped in new ways. We get to be a part of the ongoing work God is doing in the community.