Wicohan—Economic Sustainability and Self-Reliance

The oyate – the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota people – lost their economic base in the third quarter of the 1800s. The buffalo, the basis of our economy, were nearly exterminated as part of the United States’ military’s effort to exterminate our people. Today, the buffalo have made a comeback. But our economy has not.

The reservations within South Dakota are the poorest places within the United States. On the Pine Ridge Reservation, 61% live below the poverty line, and unemployment was at 36% in 2000 – when the national rate was 4%.

Our objective is economic self-reliance. This includes self-reliance in services, healthcare, and banking, as well as in staples like food and housing. Self-reliance can only be based on control of our land base, protection of our resources, and a healthy society with healthy children.

Many organizations are working to re-create economic independence. The Lakota People’s Law Project provides technical assistance and grant-writing that support an increase in the number of child welfare employees on reservations. We have worked for the return of stolen land, which would provide a stable and healthy economic base. We provide direct employment to talented Lakota individuals who might otherwise have to leave the area, and we have an active internship program to provide skills to future leaders.

We support others’ economic efforts and, with full staffing, we will be able to more effectively help resolve the underlying barriers to economic self-reliance on tribal lands.