Reservations in South Dakota home to large youth population

Wednesday, March 23, 2011  

Eight of the top 10 cities in South Dakota with large youth populations are on reservations, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

On the Pine Ridge Reservation, 43 percent of the population in Oglala is under 18. On the nearby Rosebud Sioux Reservation, 42 percent of the population in Rosebud is under 18.

"I see the higher numbers as a positive because you have a greater chance to influence the future, you have these kids when they're young and willing to learn," Pigeon Big Crow, child care program director for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, told The Rapid City Journal. "I'm excited to see the outcome of all the services we're providing now."

The other top cities with large youth populations are located on the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation and the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.

Get the Story:
Tribal communities have challenge with youth population (The Rapid City Journal 3/23)