HISTORY :: Red Cloud Indian School

FACTS ABOUT THE PINE RIDGE INDIAN RESERVATION

History refers to Lakota people as the Sioux (derived from a French word meaning "snake"). Yet, the people refer to themselves as the Lakota Nation. (The word Lakota comes from a word meaning "friend"). The Lakota Nation consisted of great leaders such as Red Cloud, Big Foot, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, American Horse, etc. The people who presently live on the reservation are a wonderful people. They have a beautiful culture filled with respect and generosity. Yet, they have been forced to live on land that is not conducive to farming, ranching or industry. (There is a reason that much of this area is referred to as the "Badlands".)

Thus, their plight: The following are a few facts about the reservation today.

Population: 46,000*
One half of the population is under the age of 18.
Unemployment: 73-85%
Per Capita Income: $6,143**
Life Expectancy: Male 55 (U.S. Avg. 75); Female 60 (U.S. Avg. 80)
Infant Mortality Rate: 2.6 times the national average*
Suicide Rate: 72% higher than the national average
Diabetic Rate: 37% of the population is diabetic
Alcoholism: 4 million cans of beer a year (10,958 beer cans a day) are sold just one mile from the border of the Pine Ridge Reservation in White Clay, NE, where the population is 14**
Children in Poverty: 69% of the children on the Pine Ridge Reservation live in poverty

*Indian Health Services Medical Records
**U.S. Census Bureau

Red Cloud Indian School is addressing the needs of the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Red Cloud Indian School teaches the students to be proud of their Lakota culture, language and spirituality. Red Cloud also gives them the educational tools needed for today, by teaching Math, Science, English, Computer Science, etc. Our parishes help support people as they deal with the extreme poverty, substance abuse and the despair that can accompany it.