Reservation Realities

Facing Reservation Realities

In any area 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 is true for adults on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in need of program services.

The Hard Facts

Covering more than four thousand square miles, the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation is the fourth largest reservation in the United States. 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 Indian 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 rest of the country.
• One out of three American Indian women is raped in her lifetime.
• Ziebach and Dewey counties — part of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation — show child poverty rates of over 42%, according to a report released by the United States Census Bureau in 2015.
• According to the 2010 Census, Ziebach County’s per capita income was $7,463. The median income for a family was $18,672; 49.9% live below the poverty line.
• Unemployment hovers between 75-85%.
• According to Indian Housing (via Census Data), 14.7% of reservation residents live in over-crowded conditions, compared to 5.7% of other nationalities in the United States.

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 Indian Reservation have access to tribal and community programs.

From a new medical facility to 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 Cheyenne River Indian Outreach today!