
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, also called Pine Ridge Agency, is an Oglala Lakota Indian reservation located in the U.S. state of South Dakota, with a small portion extending into Nebraska. It is the tribal headquarters of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The reservation was the location of a violent shootout between the FBI and activist Native Americans in 1975. The site is also known for the Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890, marking the end of the western frontier. The Lakota people, who are indigenous to this region, have a long and complex history with the Catholic Church, including controversial Jesuit-run boarding schools. Today, the Lakota people co-lead the Red Cloud Indian School, a Catholic school, with the Jesuits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catholic school | Red Cloud Indian School |
| School type | Led by the Jesuits and the Lakota people |
| Director of curriculum and assessment | Maka Clifford |
| Maka Clifford's hope | To learn that they can be indigenous and Catholic, worldly, a scientist, etc. |
| Maka Clifford's birthplace | Pine Ridge Reservation |
| Maka Clifford's alma mater | Red Cloud |
| Maka Clifford's graduation year | 2005 |
| Maka Clifford's realization | To be involved in indigenous studies and human rights |
| Maka Clifford's return to Red Cloud | 2013 |
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What You'll Learn

The Lakota people and the Jesuits lead the Catholic school
The Lakota people and the Jesuits lead the Red Cloud Indian School, a Catholic school on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The school is led by both the Lakota people and the Jesuits, with the curriculum and assessment directed by Maka Clifford, a Lakota Catholic who was born on the reservation. The school's existence reflects the intersection of indigenous and Catholic identities, with Maka Clifford himself stating that "being indigenous is not limited" and that individuals can be "indigenous and all these other things: Catholic, worldly, a diplomat, a scientist, etc.".
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, also known as Pine Ridge Agency, is an Oglala Lakota Indian reservation located in the U.S. state of South Dakota, with a small portion extending into Nebraska. It was created by the Act of March 2, 1889, and is one of the largest reservations in the United States, encompassing a land area of 2.1 million acres. The reservation is home to the Oglala Lakota, who are a part of the larger Lakota nation.
The Lakota people have a strong cultural identity and a history of resilience in the face of poverty and unfair treatment. They have a rich spiritual tradition, which includes practices such as the Ghost Dance and the "Giveaway", a tradition of gifting blankets, baskets, food, and clothing to the community. The Lakota people have also had a tumultuous relationship with the U.S. government, marked by events such as the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890.
The Jesuits, on the other hand, are a Catholic religious order known for their commitment to education and social justice. They have a long history of running schools and advocating for the marginalized, which aligns with the mission of serving the indigenous communities of the Pine Ridge Reservation. The presence of Jesuit-led Catholic schools on the reservation reflects the intersection of Catholic and indigenous identities, as well as the Jesuits' commitment to serving indigenous communities.
The Red Cloud Indian School is a product of the collaboration between the Lakota people and the Jesuits, aiming to provide a Catholic education that respects and incorporates Lakota culture and spirituality. The school's curriculum is designed to empower indigenous students to explore their indigenous identity alongside their Catholic faith, fostering a sense of inclusivity and acceptance. The school's impact on the community is significant, with an emphasis on human rights and indigenous studies.
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The Lakota Sioux Tribe are headquartered in Pine Ridge
The Lakota Sioux Tribe, also known as the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is headquartered in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Pine Ridge is a census-designated place (CDP) and the most populous community in Oglala Lakota County, with a population of 3,138 as of the 2020 census. The racial makeup was 95.63% Native American or Alaska Native, 2.33% white or European American, 0.06% Black or African American, 0.13% Asian, and 1.4% multiracial. The community was named for the pine trees on the ridge surrounding the town site.
Pine Ridge is located within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which was created by the Act of March 2, 1889. The reservation is one of the largest in the United States, encompassing 3,468.85 sq mi (8,984 km2) of land, including parts of South Dakota and Nebraska. The reservation is home to a diverse range of communities, with a rich history and culture. The Lakota Sioux Tribe has a strong presence in the area, with a deep connection to the land and a commitment to preserving their traditions.
Pine Ridge has been the site of significant events in the history of the Sioux people and their interactions with the U.S. government. In 1890, a mixed band of Miniconjou Lakota and Hunkpapa Sioux sought sanctuary at Pine Ridge after fleeing the Standing Rock Agency, where their leader, Sitting Bull, had been killed. This ultimately led to the Wounded Knee Massacre, where a heavily armed detachment of the Seventh Cavalry attacked and killed many women, children, and warriors. This marked the end of the western frontier and was a traumatic event in the history of Native American relations with the U.S. government.
Today, Pine Ridge continues to face social and economic challenges. The reservation has a high poverty rate, with Oglala Lakota County ranked as the poorest county in the nation in terms of per capita income and health outcomes. The school dropout rate is over 70%, and the community struggles with a high unemployment rate. Despite these challenges, Pine Ridge is also a place of resilience and cultural vibrancy, with talented artists, hopeful young people, and individuals committed to building a better future for the community.
The Lakota Sioux Tribe's presence in Pine Ridge has also influenced the religious landscape of the area. While traditionally, the Lakota people had their own spiritual practices and beliefs, Catholic Jesuit education has also had a presence on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The Red Cloud Indian School, for example, is a Catholic school led jointly by the Jesuits and the Lakota people, reflecting the diverse religious identities within the community.
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The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred in 1890
Pine Ridge, also known as the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, is an Oglala Lakota Indian reservation located in the U.S. state of South Dakota, with a small portion extending into Nebraska. It was created by the Act of March 2, 1889, and is one of the largest reservations in the United States, encompassing approximately 2.1 million acres of land.
Pine Ridge is the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, which occurred on December 29, 1890. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of the area's Sioux community and their relationship with the U.S. government. The massacre took place when a group of Miniconjou Lakota and Hunkpapa Sioux, led by Chief Spotted Elk, sought refuge at Pine Ridge after fleeing the Standing Rock Agency, where there had been an attempt to arrest Sitting Bull, resulting in his death. The fleeing Lakota and Sioux families were intercepted and attacked by a heavily armed unit of the Seventh Cavalry, resulting in the deaths of many women, children, and warriors. This tragic incident was the last major armed conflict between U.S. forces and Native Americans, bringing an end to the western frontier.
The Wounded Knee Massacre exemplifies the complex and often violent history between the United States government and Native American communities. It highlights the struggles and resistance of the Lakota and Sioux people as they fought to protect their land, rights, and cultural identity in the face of colonial expansion and repression. The massacre also underscores the legacy of trauma and resilience that has marked the experience of Native Americans in the United States.
The aftermath of the Wounded Knee Massacre continued to shape the lives of the Lakota and Sioux people at Pine Ridge and beyond. The event left a deep impact on the community, influencing their ongoing efforts to assert their sovereignty, protect their land, and seek justice for past wrongs. The massacre also drew attention to the broader issues of Native American rights and the need for recognition and reconciliation.
Today, Pine Ridge remains a significant site for the Lakota and Sioux people, serving as a reminder of their resilience and cultural endurance. The community continues to face social and economic challenges, with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and health issues. However, there are also signs of hope and resilience, with efforts being made to improve education, promote cultural preservation, and foster a sense of community among the residents of Pine Ridge.
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The Lakota people are the poorest community in America
The Lakota people are based in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (Lakota: Wazí Aháŋhaŋ Oyáŋke), an Oglala Lakota Indian reservation located in the U.S. state of South Dakota, with a small portion extending into Nebraska. It is one of the largest reservations in the United States, encompassing 3,468.85 sq mi (8,984 km2) of land area.
The Lakota people are considered to be among the poorest communities in America. Two of the poorest communities in the country are located on the Pine Ridge Reservation, where the Lakota people are based. The Lakota people face a range of challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and alcoholism. The per capita income for the Lakota people living on Pine Ridge is $7,773, which is significantly lower than the United States average of $27,599. The median household income for the Lakota is $26,721, compared to the national average of $53,482. The Lakota people have a high poverty rate, with an officially reported rate of 53.75%, compared to the United States average of 15.6%. The Lakota people also have a low level of educational attainment, with a high school dropout rate of over 70%.
The Lakota people's poverty is driven by a range of factors, including historical and structural issues. The sociologist Beth Redbird has noted that "for over a century, poverty has been a huge part of the conversation about Indigenous well-being, but to a large extent, we don't even know what drives Native [American] poverty, what causes it, and where it comes from". Redbird's research highlights the role of employment in driving poverty among Native Americans. She found that even when tribes started gaming establishments or energy projects, few lasting jobs were created, and poverty rates remained high. Overall changes in the U.S. economy, including job losses in certain sectors, stagnant minimum wages, and increasing unstable employment, have also impacted Native peoples.
The Lakota people have also faced challenges due to their historical treatment by the U.S. government. Pine Ridge is the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890, where a mixed band of Miniconjou Lakota and Hunkpapa Sioux, led by Chief Spotted Elk, sought sanctuary at Pine Ridge after fleeing the Standing Rock Agency. They were intercepted and attacked by a heavily armed detachment of the Seventh Cavalry, which killed many women, children, and warriors. This marked the end of the western frontier and was a traumatic event in the history of the Lakota people and their relationship with the U.S. government.
Despite these challenges, there are efforts to improve the financial capability and economic development of the Lakota people. The Lakota Funds organization has worked to provide business loans and financial literacy training to help address generational poverty and dependency on the federal government. The development of credible institutions is seen as essential to successful economic development, and there is a growing tribal interest in starting Native-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
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The Lakota people have a rich culture and history
The Lakota people have a strong connection to their land and a deep sense of community. They have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional singing and drumming, and the "Giveaway" tradition, where gifts such as blankets, baskets, food, and clothing are given to the community. The Lakota people also have a history of activism and resistance, with the Pine Ridge Reservation being the site of several significant events in the history of the Sioux and the U.S. government.
The Lakota people have faced many challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and a high school dropout rate. Oglala Lakota County has the lowest per capita income in the country and is ranked as one of the poorest communities in America. The Lakota people have also struggled with issues such as alcoholism and a low life expectancy. Despite these challenges, the Lakota people are known for their resilience, generosity, and sense of community.
The Lakota people have a complex relationship with Catholicism. The Red Cloud Indian School, located on the Pine Ridge Reservation, is a Catholic school led by the Jesuits and the Lakota people. The school has been controversial due to the history of Jesuit-run boarding schools, but it also represents the Lakota people's desire to embrace multiple aspects of their identities, including their indigenous and Catholic faiths.
The Lakota people's history and culture are deeply intertwined with their land and community. Their resilience and commitment to preserving their heritage and improving their communities are testament to their rich culture and history.
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Frequently asked questions
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is located in the southwest corner of South Dakota, with a small portion extending into Nebraska. It is home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, with a population of approximately 35,000 Lakota Sioux.
The Catholic Church played a significant role in the colonization of the Americas, operating Indian boarding schools with the aim of assimilating Native American children into white culture. The Catholic Church ran more of these schools than any other religious group, and they were notorious for suppressing Native languages and cultures.
Yes, the Red Cloud Indian School is a Catholic school led jointly by the Jesuits and the Lakota people. The school has a controversial history but is now focused on providing a Lakota-Catholic education that respects indigenous identity.


































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