Upper Sioux Indian Reservation

The Upper Sioux Indian Reservation, or Pezihutazizi in Dakota, is the home of the Upper Sioux Community, a federally recognized tribe of the Dakota people, which includes the Mdewakanton. This community has a rich history and culture that continues to this day.

The reservation is located in Minnesota Falls Township along the Minnesota River in eastern Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, just five miles south of Granite Falls. It was created in 1938 when the federal government returned 746 acres of land to the tribe under the Indian Reorganization Act, which encouraged tribal self-government.

Today, the reservation has a population of about 120 people and covers 2.3 square miles, including some off-reservation trust land. The tribe runs the Prairie's Edge Casino Resort, which helps support the community. Each August, the Upper Sioux Community celebrates its traditions with the Pejhutazizi Oyate traditional wacipi (powwow), a joyful gathering of music, dance, and culture.

History

This reservation was set up for the Wahpeton and Sisseton bands of the Upper Dakota. In 1851, a treaty with the United States gave the Dakota a large area along the Minnesota River. After a conflict in 1862 called the Dakota War of 1862, the government took much of this land away.

In 1938, the government gave back 746 acres (3.02 km²) of land to the tribe under a law called the Indian Reorganization Act. This law also helped tribes manage their own affairs again.

In 2024, Minnesota gave back around 2 square miles (5.2 km²) from the Upper Sioux Agency State Park to the tribe.

Geography

The Upper Sioux Indian Reservation and its nearby lands cover a total of 2.35 square miles (6.1 km²). Out of this area, 2.3 square miles (6.0 km²) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km²) is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2020, the Upper Sioux Community and its trust land had a population of 120 people. The area had 49 homes. Most people, about 68%, identified as Native American. Around 8% were White, 2.5% were Black or African American, and others were from other races or from two or more races. About 4% of the people were Hispanic or Latino. The numbers might not be exact because of privacy rules used by the Census Bureau.

Notable citizens

One well-known person from the Upper Sioux Indian Reservation is Waziyatawin, also known as Angela Wilson. She is a Dakota author, professor, and activist from Pezihutazizi Otunwe, also called Yellow Medicine Village.