Facing Reservation Realities
Children displaced from their home environments face unique challenges. Children served by Cheyenne River Indian Outreach programs face all those same challenges only multiplied. The same goes for adults on the Cheyenne River Reservation in need of program services.

Cheyenne River Reservation Facts
Covering more than four thousand square miles, the Cheyenne River Reservation is the fourth largest Indian reservation in the United States. While the wide open spaces appear gorgeous and serene on 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 to fierce winter storms, the South Dakota weather presents unique challenges in itself.

Though the Cheyenne River Tribal Authorities work hard to provide services, programs and support desperately needed by the tribe’s people, there are many harsh realities facing young and old alike.

•American Indian women experience physical assaults at a rate 50% higher than the next most victimized demographic, which is African-American males.

•The rate of aggravated assault among American Indians is roughly twice that of the country.

•One out of three American Indian women is raped in her lifetime.

•Ziebach County, which is part of the Cheyenne River Reservation, has the highest child poverty rate in the nation.

•According to the 2000 Census, Ziebach County’s per capita income was $7,463 and the median income for a family was $18,672; 49.9% live below the poverty line.

•Unemployment hovers between 75-85%.

•Many of the 13 communities on the Cheyenne River Reservation do not have suitable water systems, which makes sanitation and general well-being serious issues.

•According to Indian Housing (via Census Data) 14.7% of reservation residents live in over-crowded conditions compared to 5.7% of the rest of the US.

Frightening Realities Facing Children
Abuse, addiction, poverty, abandonment, gang violence, suicide … the list of realities facing Native American youth on South Dakota reservations is a harsh one. The statistics below put these realities in black and white and substantiate the need for services from the Cheyenne River Indian Outreach.

1. •The Gang violence is growing at a frightening rate across South Dakota reservations.
   

2. •For American Indians, suicide is the second leading cause of death ages 15-34.
   

3. •Victimization rate for American Indian children is 15.9 per 1,000 Indian children; this includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect. Caucasian children have a victimization rate of 10.7 children per 1,000.
   

4. •Household conditions in many communities on the Cheyenne Indian Reservation are similar to those found in Third World countries. These conditions are caused, in part, by extreme poverty, desolation, substance addictions and more.
   

Hope for the Future
Statistics detailing the reality of reservation life are grim.

But, where there is action there is hope!

In addition to the many programs and services provided by Cheyenne River Indian Outreach, adults and children on the Cheyenne River Reservation have access to tribal and community programs as well.

From the new medical facility to the cultural activities, caring people on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation and beyond are working to make a difference!

You can be part of a promising future for Native American adults and children in need … support the Cheyenne River Indian Outreach today.