Native American Indian Tribes by Confederacy
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Overview
- Category: Sioux Nation
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is composed of descendants of two Divisions of Dakota and Nakota people. The Ihanktowan, or Yankton and Yanktonais are called the Middle Sioux.
The Isanti or Dakota people are comprised of four bands that lived on the eastern side of the Dakota Nation. The Isanti and Ihanktowan speak the 'D' and ‘N’ dialect of Siouan language. Both were a river-plains people who did some farming as well as buffalo hunting.
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CROW CREEK SIOUX TRIBAL GOVERNMENT:
The United States Government as defined by the United States
Constitution has governmental relationships with International,
Tribal, and State entities; therefore, Tribal nations have a
government-to-government relationship with the United States. The
Tribes of the Great Sioux Nation signed treaties in 1824, 1851,
1863 and 1868 with the United States which are the legal
documents that established our boundaries and recognized our
rights as a sovereign government.
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe consists of the members of the
Isanti and Ihanktowan divisions of the Great Sioux Nation. The
Tribe was relocated to the reservation after Little Crow’s
War in Minnesota originally designated reservation lands along
the Missouri River recognized in a treaty with the United States
was signed in 1863. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe was further
defined and the boundaries expanded by the Act of March 2,
1889 which identified all the reservations in present day North
and South Dakota. This includes all right-of-way, waterways,
watercourses and streams running through any part of the
reservation and to such others lands as may hereafter be added to
the reservation under the law of the United States. The original
reservation was reduced to its present size by approximately 50
percent through subsequent Homestead Acts to provide land for
non-Indian settlers.
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe operates under a constitution and
is governed by a Tribal Council. The Tribal Council consists of a
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer and four additional
Councilmen which are elected by the tribal members. The Tribal
Council Chairman serves as the administrative head of the tribal
government. The Tribal Chairman, Officers and Council serve a
term of two years. One Council member is elected from two
districts, Big Bend and Crow Creek, and two are elected from the
largest district. The majority of the population now lives in the
community and district known as Fort Thompson.
Prior to the inundation of lands along the Missouri River,
many of the people lived on the river bottom lands. The entire
community of Fort Thompson, schools and a hospital had to be
completely relocated to higher ground. The infrastructure,
schools and hospitals were never rebuilt as promised.
| Tribal/Agency Headquarters: | Ft. Thompson, South Dakota |
| Counties: | Buffalo, Hughes, and Hyde, South Dakota |
| Number of enrolled members: | 3,000 |
| Reservation Population: | 2,816 |
| Languages: | Lakota/Dakota and English |
| Land Status: | Acres |
| Total Area: | 225,000 acres |
| Tribal Owned/Use: | 64,578 acres |
| Individual Allotted: | 60,905 acres |
| Total Tribal/Allotted: | 125,483 acres |
| Non-Indian Owned: | 99,517 acres |
| Reservoir Taken area: | 16,000 acres |
LAND:
The Crow Creek Sioux Reservation is located in the central
portion of South Dakota, 26 miles northwest of Chamberlain, South
Dakota, which is on Interstate 90. The reservation boundaries on
the west and south include lakes Sharpe and Francis Case, the
large reservoirs formed by mainstem dams, Fort Randall and Big
Bend dams, on the Missouri River. The reservation covers an area
of about 400 square miles within Hughes, Hyde, and Buffalo
counties. Of this area about 35 square miles are covered by major
reservoirs and about 201 square miles are owned by the Tribe and
Tribal members. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe maintains the right
and responsibility to provide environmental authority in
compliance with Tribal and Federal law for protection of the land
and resources within the exterior boundaries of the reservation
through code development and regulatory mechanisms. The
maintenance and protection of the land is very important to the
Crow Creek people and our future generations.
CULTURE:
The Crow Creek Sioux are members of the Great Sioux Nation.
The people of the Sioux Nation refer to themselves as
Lakota/Dakota which means friend or ally. The United States
government took the word Sioux from (Nadowesioux), which comes
from a Chippewa (Ojibway) word which means little snake or enemy.
The French traders and trappers who worked with the Chippewa(
Ojibway) people shortened the word to Sioux.
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is composed of descendants of two
Divisions of Dakota and Nakota people. The Ihanktowan, or Yankton
and Yanktonais are called the Middle Sioux. The Isanti or Dakota
people are comprised of four bands that lived on the eastern side
of the Dakota Nation. The Isanti and Ihanktowan speak the 'D' and
‘N’ dialect of Siouan language. Both were a
river-plains people who did some farming as well as buffalo
hunting.
The government identified all the Tribes with similar
languages as the Sioux people. The oral tradition of our people
state that the Lakota and Dakota people were one nation. The
Lakota people broke away and formed their own nation. The
Lakota/Dakota people still practice their sacred and traditional
ceremonies which encompass the seven rites of Lakota Nation
brought by the White Buffalo Calf Woman.
Social activities such as powwow, rodeos, and races are
celebrated in the summer months. Special powwows held for
individuals who accomplished a stage in their lives such as
graduation or acceptance in the arm forces with traditional
honoring ceremonies, give-aways, and feasts to celebrate their
accomplishments. The oral tradition is still passed down from the
elders to the youth.
The future of our people is in the hands of our children. The
children of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe will bring us into the
21st century with pride and dignity.
HISTORY:
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is part of the Great Sioux Nation
which retains our land base in accordance with Treaties in the
mid 1800's which identified lands in eastern South Dakota and
Minnesota. The Treaty of 1863 established the original land base
along the Missouri River. The reservation was increased in size
in the 1889 Act referred to as the Great Sioux Settlement. At one
time The Great Sioux Nation extended from the Big Horn Mountains
in the west to the east side of Minnesota. Canada is the northern
boundary and the Platte River in the southern boundary. The
eastern land holdings of the Dakota and Nakota were subsequently
reduced by Homestead Acts, other Congressional action, and the
courts. The Great Sioux Nation total land ownership was further
reduced in the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty to the east side of the
Missouri River and parts of North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and
Montana. This includes all of western South Dakota in the middle
of the treaty lands. Crow Creek retained land on the east side of
the Missouri River. The present day tribal lands are about one
half of the original reservation due to Homestead Acts allowing
white settlers to locate within the reservation boundaries.
The Black Hills are located in the center the Great Sioux
Nation. The Black Hills are sacred to the Lakota/ Dakota people
and today considered an important part of our spiritual lives. A
direct violation of the 1868 Treaty was committed in 1874 by
General George A. Custer and his 7th Cavalry. The 7th Cavalry
entered the Black Hills, the center of the Great Sioux Nation and
found gold in the Black Hills. The Gold Rush started the conflict
between the United States and Great Sioux Nation. The Great Sioux
Nation opposed this violation of the treaty. The United States
Government wanted to buy or rent the Black Hills from the
Dakota/Lakota people. The Great Sioux Nation refused to sell or
rent their sacred lands.
The 7th Cavalry under General George A. Custer was requested
to bring the Sioux bands in and place them on the reservation
lands. On June 25, 1876, the Battle of the Little Big Horn
between the 7th Cavalry and Lakota Nation with their allies
Cheyenne and Araphoes at Greasy Grass, Montana took place. The
Sioux Nation won a victory over General George A. Custer and his
7th Cavalry.
The Great Sioux Nation scattered, some to Canada and others
surrendered to the reservations. The United States Government
demanded that the Lakota nation move to the reservations. The
people finally surrendered after being cold and hungry and moved
on the reservations. The government still insisted buying the
Black Hills from the Lakota people. The Sioux Nation refused to
sell their sacred lands. The United States Government introduced
the Sell or Starve Bill or the Agreement of 1877, which illegally
took the Black Hills from the Great Sioux Nation. The
Dakota/Lakota people starved but refused to sell their sacred
land. The Allotment of 1887 also allotted Indian lands into 160
acre lots to adult male heads of household and 80 acre lots to
adult males to further divide the nation. The Act of 1889 broke
up the Great Sioux Nation into smaller reservations, the
remainder of which exist today at about one half their original
size in 1889.
CLIMATE:
The average rainfall is 16-17 inches during the summer season.
The growing season lasts three months, June to August. The snow
fall averages from moderate to heavy for winter weather. The
temperature in the winter is from 30 degrees below zero to 25
degrees above zero. The average temperature in the summer is 80
degrees but will range from 69 degrees to 110 degrees from June
to August. The wind averages 14 mph per day annually. The area
suffers from occasional droughts in the summer and severe
blizzards in the winter. The spring and fall seasons are very
pleasant.
TRANSPORTATION:
The Crow Creek Sioux Reservation is served from the west to
east by Highway 34 and north to south by Highway 47 to the Big
Bend Dam to Interstate 90, and Highway 50 to Chamberlain, South
Dakota to I-90. The historical highways run along the Missouri
River from Chamberlain to Pierre, South Dakota. There is no
public nor major transportation facilities existing on the
reservation. There are some charter buses and limousine services
for patrons of the Lode Stat Casino in Ft. Thompson. The
Greyhound Bus services are located in Chamberlain and Pierre,
South Dakota. The nearest commercial airline is in Pierre, South
Dakota, 60 miles northwest of the community of Fort Thompson.
TRIBAL ECONOMY:
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe’s major economic occupation is
cattle ranching and farming for 20 tribal operators. The Tribe
operates a large irrigated farm under the Big Bend Farm
Corporation, guided hunting for small game, big game, and a goose
camp operation. The Tribe also operates the Lode Star Casino and
liquor store.
Commercial business by private operators include a convenience
store, laundromat, and a video arcade/fast food shop,
hunting/fishing guide service, arts and handcrafts, and a small
motel.
The majority of employment is provided by the Crow Creek Sioux
Tribe, Lode Star Casino, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Indian
Health Service.
RECREATION:
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe has some of finest hunting and
fishing around with guided hunts provided by the Wildlife
Management Department. Water sports are enjoyed by many also.
The Tribe operates the Lode Star Casino and Restaurant. Tribal
organizations sponsor high stakes bingo games most nights of the
week.
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe sponsors two annual pow wows, one
in early June and the Lower Brule Fair and Pow Wow the second
week in August. This event also includes a rodeo, horse racing,
and a softball tournament.
The community of Fort Thompson has a campground near the Big
Bend dam with several beach areas and boat ramps for fishing and
water sports. During the year other sports activities such as
softball, volleyball, and basketball tournaments are also held
during the year.
PUBLIC UTILITIES:
Electric utility services for the Crow Creek Reservation are
provided by Northwestern Public Service. The Midstate Telephone
Company provides telephone service to the reservation. The Tribe
operates the water department to supply clean water from the
Missouri River to the communities of Fort Thompson while the Big
Bend and Crow Creek communities are served by wells.
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COMMUNITY SERVICES:
The Crow Creek Sioux provides an elderly nutrition program,
youth recreational activities, and a rodeo club. Health care is
provided by the Indian Health Service at the Health Center Clinic
and the Tribal Health Department Community Health Representative
and Ambulance Service. The Health Department also provides
examinations and eyeglasses to all residents at reduced rates.
HOUSING:
The Crow Creek Housing Authority manages about 350 housing
units in the communities of Fort Thompson, Big Bend, and Crow
Creek and on rural scattered sites through HUD Low Rent and
Mutual Help home ownership housing programs. Other housing is
available through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health
Service for their employees. Private housing stock is limited.
FUTURE:
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe desires to continue their progress
in providing for our people and the development of increased
self-sufficiency. The Tribe continues to explore means to expand
the Tribal Farm operation and other business development
initiatives. There are plans to develop cultural resources to
preserve and educate Tribal members and non-members. The
development tourism will strengthen the economy on the
reservation. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe will continue to search
for ways to maintain our culture and develop new economic
opportunities for our future generations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY:
Effect of Pick-Sloan Act: The following resources and
infrastructure was lost to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe as a result
of the creation of Lakes Sharpe and Francis Case:
| Subsistence economy | 16,000 acres of land | Medicine | Housing units |
| Domestic water systems | Fishing | Hospital | Tribal Office/Buildings |
| Food | Acres of waterbed | Ceremonial grounds | Businesses |
| Ranch water systems | Timber | Schools | 1 rodeo arena |
| Hunting | Miles of main roads | Burial grounds | 1 race track |
Reservation Water System: Water is the key to
increasing the quality of life and promoting full economic
development on the Crow Creek Reservation. An adequate supply of
good quality water is needed by the 2,816 Indians and non-Indians
living on the reservation.
Problems with water quality and inadequate supply are common
throughout the reservation. This condition has a detrimental
effect on health and quality of life as well as deterring
economic growth. The availability of a plentiful and high quality
water supply is vital to the health and well being of the people
living on the Crow Creek Reservation. The level of health and
quality of life of the general population is directly related to
the quality of their domestic water supply. Many residents
currently depend on poorly-constructed or low-capacity individual
wells. These sources are often contaminated with bacteria or
undesirable minerals, provide an inadequate quantity of water,
and are costly to maintain and operate. Many people wish to
return to their family lands or relocate to rural areas to raise
their families but are limited by the unavailability of water.
Agriculture is the primary industry on the Crow Creek
Reservation and the key to the full development of this industry
is water. Surface water in small streams, lakes, and dugouts is
scattered throughout the area. Surface water, however, is
unreliable year-round and generally available only during the wet
periods of spring. During drought periods, these sources often
dry up, and livestock must be sold or moved off the reservation.
Shallow groundwater is scarce and unreliable and deep
groundwater, while generally more plentiful, is highly
mineralized and of poor quality. This lack of an adequate water
supply has also reduced the livestock production on the
reservation. The grazing lands cannot be fully utilized and
valuable resource is wasted. The lack of stability in the
production of feeder-cattle also discourages related industrial
development such as cattle feeding, packing plants, and other
value added industries.
Hydrologic Setting: Shallow groundwater is not
obtainable on most of the Crow Creek Indian Reservation, and
where it is found, it is often of poor quality. Surface waters,
with the exception of the Missouri River, though valuable and
widely distributed resources, are undependable because of scanty
and erratic precipitation. Artesian water from deeply buried
bedrock aquifers underlies all of the reservation. These aquifers
are not, and probably will not become highly developed sources of
water because of the high-to-very-high salinity and other mineral
content of artesian water in most of the area.
Water Availability and Use: Surface water is the major
water source for the reservation with the Missouri River
providing by far the largest part of the surface water supply.
Other reservation streams have extremely variable flow patterns
and are not reliable enough for a year-round supply. Groundwater
is not as abundant as surface water and where available it is
usually adequate for only small scale use. For these reasons, the
Missouri River is the obvious source for a reservation water
supply system.
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe currently utilizes the Missouri
River as the source for the Fort Thompson community water system
at a current level of 150/200,000 gallons per day. Well water
systems serve the Big Bend and Crow Creek communities located on
the northwest and southeast corners of the reservation. The Tribe
under a PL. 93-638 contract with the Bureau of Reclamation has
completed a rural water needs assessment and plans to seek funds
for a rural water system to serve the reservation.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs NRIS data identifies a total of
15,121 acres of farmland on the Crow Creek reservation, including
3,480 of irrigated acres. A recent study completed under private
contract will be researched for information on quantity of use.
Terrain: Rolling hills, woodlands, river breaks and
stock dams dominate the reservation.
| Tribal Lands | Acres |
| Agriculture | 15,121 |
| Grazing | 106,566 |
| Forestry | 1,390 |
| Other | 40 |
| Total: | 125,483 |
Environmental Problem Statement: In 1996, tribal
environmental staff identified insufficient monetary and
personnel resources to perform baseline data gathering functions
to enable them to quantify their environmental resources and
environmental problems as the major reservation environmental
problem.