Government | Elections | Meetings | Education and Media | Leaders

Reservation: Crow Creek Reservation; Buffalo, Hyde, and Hughes Counties
Division: Santee, Yankton
Bands: Mdewakanton (People of Spirit Lake), Ihanktonwan (People of the End)
Land Area: 125,591 acres
Tribal Headquarters: Ft. Thompson, SD
Time Zone: Central
Traditional Language: Dakota
Enrolled members living on reservation: 1,230
Major Industry: Agriculture
Statistics

Government:
Charter: None; Constitution and Bylaws: Yes
Date Approved: April 26, 1949
Name of Governing Body: Crow Creek Sioux Tribal Council
Number of members: six (6) council members
Dates of Constitutional amendments: February 25, 1963, June 23, 1980, February 4, 1986
Number of Executive Officers: (1) Chairman

Elections:
Election of all six council members and the Chair are held every two years on the third Tuesday in April. Chairman is elected at large by all districts. Tribal Council elects from within a Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.
If terms of office are staggered: No
Number of Election districts or communities: 3

Meetings:
Regular meetings are held once a month.
Quorum number: 4 members

Leaders: Past and Present
Oscar Howe, a Yanktonai, pioneered a new era in Indian art. Howe was born on the Crow Creek Reservation in 1915. Throughout his life, he received many honors, including the title Artist Laureate of South Dakota. When he died in 1983, Howe left behind a legacy of cultural heritage and pride. More than 20 Oscar Howe originals are on display at the Oscar Howe Art Center in Mitchell.

Elizabeth Cook-Lynn taught native studies for 20 years before becoming a full-time writer. She is the author of two novels and a collections short stories. She edits the "Wicazo Sa (Red Pencil) Review," an international Native American studies journal. She's also a traditional dancer on the powwow circuit. Cook-Lynn grew up on the Crow Creek Reservation.

Chairman: Lester Thompson, Jr.
Chairman-Elect: Brandon Sazue, Sr.
PO Box 50
Ft. Thompson, SD 57339-0050
Phone (605) 245-2221
Fax (605) 245-2470

View Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Constitution (PDF)

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
P.O. Box 50
Fort Thompson, SD 57339-0050
Phone (605) 245-2221
Fax (605) 245-5470

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If you have any questions regarding authentic Indian art, please contact the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.

If you, or someone you know, would like to be a part of the South Dakota Artist/Tribal Spotlight, please contact Aske Whitebird.