The Standing Rock Indian Reservation, a land steeped in history and cultural significance, derives its name from a remarkable natural rock formation. This sacred stone, resembling a woman carrying a child on her back, now stands as a monument outside the Standing Rock Agency office in Fort Yates, North Dakota, symbolizing the enduring spirit of its people.
The reservation is the ancestral home to distinct bands of the Lakota and Dakota nations. Among the Lakota are the Sihasapa, known as the Blackfoot, and the Hunkpapa, or “Campers at the Horn,” famed for their equestrian skills and buffalo hunting prowess on the Great Plains. The Dakota people within Standing Rock include the Upper Yanktonai, called the Ihanktonwana or “Little End Village,” and the Lower Yanktonai, known as the Hunkatina or “Cut Heads.” The Yanktonai, river-plains dwellers, practiced both farming and buffalo hunting, showcasing a diverse way of life intricately connected to the land and its resources.
Location and Accessibility of Standing Rock
Spanning across North and South Dakota, the Standing Rock Reservation’s lower portion resides in South Dakota. This area encompasses several communities including Little Eagle, Wakpala, Kenel, McLaughlin, McIntosh, and Bullhead, each offering unique glimpses into reservation life. Accessible via well-maintained highways, reaching Standing Rock is convenient with Highways 65, 12, and 63 serving as primary routes, inviting visitors to explore its landscapes and heritage.
Iconic Figures of Standing Rock: Sitting Bull and Sakakawea
Standing Rock holds immense historical significance as the birthplace of Sitting Bull (1831-1890), or Tatanka Iyotake in Lakota. A figure of global recognition in Native American history, Sitting Bull was not only a respected medicine man but also an Itancan, a leader deeply devoted to his people. Born along the banks of the Grand River, he embodied the traditional Lakota way of life, fiercely defending his people’s customs and ancestral lands against U.S. government encroachment. He resolutely opposed attempts to seize sacred Lakota and Dakota territories and resisted relocation to the Sioux Nation reservation.
His life tragically ended on December 15, 1890, during a controversial arrest attempt. Today, Sitting Bull is honored at two memorial sites. The original burial site, marked by a rock and bronze plaque, is located in Fort Yates, North Dakota. However, a relocated site, believed to contain his remains, is situated across the Missouri River from Mobridge, South Dakota. This site features a striking bust sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski, the original sculptor of the Crazy Horse Memorial, overlooking the Missouri River on the reservation’s eastern edge.
Near Sitting Bull’s memorial in northern South Dakota, a marker pays tribute to Sakakawea (1788-1812), also known as Sacagawea. This remarkable Shoshone woman played an indispensable role in the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific Ocean. Six years after this landmark journey, Sakakawea passed away at Fort Manuel, near present-day Kenel, South Dakota. The Fort Manuel Replica, standing on the river bluffs near Kenel, recreates the environment of her final days, offering a serene place to reflect on her legacy and the natural beauty of her resting place.
Exploring Standing Rock: Things to See and Do
The Standing Rock National Native American Scenic Byway, an 86-mile route along historic S.D. Highway 1806 and S.D. Highway 24, provides an immersive journey through Lakota and Dakota lands. This byway is adorned with memorial markers, interpretive signs, and monuments that celebrate the rich heritage of these nations and acknowledge the pivotal roles of explorers, trappers, and chiefs in shaping the American West. It offers a unique perspective on history, viewed through both Native American and early settler lenses.
Just outside the reservation, in nearby Mobridge, the Klein Museum is a treasure trove of Native American artifacts. Exhibits include a Ghost Dance garment, a turkey feather blanket, and an eagle feather bonnet, alongside dedicated sections honoring Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and other iconic Native American figures. For those seeking local flavors, West Side Meats in Mobridge is renowned for its exceptional buffalo jerky, attracting visitors from afar.
Lake Oahe within Standing Rock presents abundant opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation. The Bay, situated in the Indian Memorial Recreation Area near the Grand River Casino and Resort and Prairie Knights Marina, offers RV facilities, campsites, and extensive access for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Connect with Standing Rock
For further information about the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the reservation, please contact:
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Fort Yates, North Dakota
(701) 854-8500
standingrock.org
Exploring the Standing Rock Indian Reservation offers a profound experience, connecting visitors with the vibrant history, culture, and resilience of the Lakota and Dakota people. From historical sites and scenic byways to museums and natural beauty, Standing Rock provides a unique and enriching journey into the heart of Native American heritage.
