kids encyclopedia robot

Santee Sioux Reservation facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Santee Sioux Reservation

Isáŋyathi  (Dakota)
Official seal of Santee Sioux Reservation
Seal
Location in Nebraska
Location in Nebraska
Tribe Santee Sioux Nation
Country United States
State Nebraska
County Knox
Headquarters Niobrara
Government
 • Body Tribal Council
Area
 • Total 172.99 sq mi (448.0 km2)
Population
 (2017)
 • Total 1,041
 • Density 6.0177/sq mi (2.3234/km2)
Website santeesiouxnation.net

The Santee Sioux Reservation (called Isáŋyathi in the Dakota language) is home to the Santee Sioux people. They are also known as the Eastern Dakota. This special area was set up in 1863 in what is now Nebraska. The main office for the tribal government is in Niobrara, Nebraska. The reservation lands are located in Knox County.

Sioux01
Traditional location of Sioux tribes before 1770 (dark green) and their current reservations (orange).

History of the Santee Sioux Reservation

The Santee Sioux Reservation was created by the U.S. Congress on March 3, 1863. It was officially recognized later through special government orders and agreements called treaties. These agreements helped set the boundaries and rules for the reservation.

In the early years, families on the reservation chose areas for their homes, called homesteads. Other parts of the land were set aside for families to use, known as allotments. Some land was also used for an Indian agency, which was like a government office, a school, and a mission.

Geography and Population

The reservation is located along the southern bank of the Missouri River. It even includes a part of Lewis and Clark Lake. In 2000, about 878 people lived on the reservation. Most of them (64.1%) were Native American, and 33.7% were White. The reservation covers about 173 square miles (448 square kilometers).

The biggest town on the reservation is Santee, which is in the northern part. Other large groups of Oglala Lakota and Brulé Sioux people live on reservations north of here, in South Dakota.

Communities on the Reservation

The Santee Sioux Reservation includes a few towns where people live. These communities are important centers for the tribal members.

kids search engine
Santee Sioux Reservation Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.