The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation—the Good River Reservation
(Wakpa Wasté Oyanke)is located in north central South Dakota. The
Reservation is bordered by the Missouri Riveron the east and the Cheyenne
River on the south. The Reservation encompasses approximately
2.4 million acres, with 1.4 million held by the Tribe. It is an area
approximately the size ofthe state of Connecticut and includes 27 small,
dispersed communities and two counties; Ziebach and Dewey. The
Reservation is bordered by the Missouri River on the east and the Cheyenne
River on the south. Highway 212 runs east-west through the Reservation and
County Road 63 runs north-south, connecting the Reservation to Interstate
90. According to the 2000 US Census, the Cheyenne River Reservation has a
population of approximately 9,600 individuals, including about 6,000
Native Americans.

The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation is home to the Four Bands of the
Lakota Nation; Mnicoujou- Plants by the Water, Oo’henumpa – Two Kettle,
Itazipco – No Bows, and the Sihasapa – Blackfoot. Lakota means “allies”
or “friends”. Although Cheyenne River is a Reservation, many non-Natives
reside here as well.

Communities found in this area are Bear Creek, Blackfoot, Bridger, Cherry Creek, Dupree, Firesteel, Glad Valley, Glencross, Green Grass, Iron Lightning, Isabel, Lantry, LaPlante, North Eagle Butte, On-the-Trees, Parade, Promise, Red Scaffold, Red Elm, Ridgeview, South Eagle Butte, Swiftbird, Takini, Thunder Butte, Timber Lake, Trail City and White Horse.

Although there are 27 communities throughout the Reservation, only four towns serve the greater population. Isabel, Dupree, Eagle Butte and Timber Lake provide products, recreational opportunities, medical and educational facilities, churches and financial services.

Isabel
Founded in 1911, Isabel is located in Ziebach county, in the northwestern portion of the Cheyenne River Reservation. In the early years, the railroad played an important role in the establishment of the community. Today, agriculture is the leading industry. According to the State of South Dakota, approximately 239 live in or around the town of Isabel. Each year, the town hosts a celebration and rodeo in August. For more information about Isabel, visit http://users.lakotanetwork.com/cbegeman/isabelsd/isabel.html or Email: isabeltown@lakotanetwork.com. You can also visit Tri-Community Economic Enhancement.

Dupree http://www.dupreesd.com/
The community of Dupree is located on the west end of the Cheyenne River Reservation, along Hwy. 212. This western community plays host to numerous events each year, including the regional high school rodeo, the 2nd weekend in June and the Pioneer Days Celebration, held the 2nd weekend in July. Agriculture is big business to this community of 434 residents. Dupree serves as the seat for Ziebach county.

Timber Lake http://www.timberlakesouthdakota.com/
Timber Lake (pop. 434) was founded in 1910 when the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation was opened to homesteading. Livestock and grain provide the base for the local economy, which also includes small manufacturing, recreation and home-based businesses. Timber Lake serves as the seat of Dewey County and a center for retail trade and government services. Timber Lake is home to the annual Days of 1910 Celebration, featuring a German supper, street dances, rodeos, a parade and demolition derby. In 2010, the community will hold a Centennial Celebration.

Eagle Butte
With approximately 619 residents, Eagle Butte serves as the headquarters for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Every year, the Tribe’s annual Fair and Powwow is held in Eagle Butte over Labor Day weekend. Located along Hwy 212, in the central portion of the Reservation, the community boasts a variety of products and services for area consumers. For more information visit eaglebuttesd.com/services.htm