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The Standing Rock Indian Reservation crosses the state lines of central South and North Dakota. Bordered by the Missouri River on the east, much of this reservation is rolling grasslands occasionally interrupted by dramatic bluffs. Today, Standing Rock is a community deeply affected by poverty. Although federal funding is available, the tribe does not accept its full share of funding as a matter of principle. Despite these challenges, the Lakota have a gentle and reserved humor. By ministering through home improvements and children’s programs, your teens will learn about serving Jesus as they serve in this amazing community
| Date Start | Date End | Price Per | # of Available Spots | |
| 6/12/2011 | 6/17/2011 | $248.00 | 60 | Register |
| 6/19/2011 | 6/24/2011 | $248.00 | 47 | Register |
| 6/26/2011 | 7/1/2011 | $248.00 | 60 | Register |
| 7/3/2011 | 7/8/2011 | $248.00 | 65 | Register |
| 7/10/2011 | 7/15/2011 | $248.00 | 65 | Register |
| 7/17/2011 | 7/22/2011 | $248.00 | 40 | Register |
| 7/24/2011 | 7/29/2011 | $248.00 | 65 | Register |
| 7/31/2011 | 8/5/2011 | $248.00 | 65 | Register |
Demographics
Currently the Standing Rock Reservation covers approximately one million acres across the North/South Dakota border. It is the sixth largest reservation in the United States. This reservation was initially established through the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, though later reduced in size. This reservation is home to the Yanktonai, Hunkpapa and Blackfoot Lakota & Dakota people (Sioux). The land was originally part of the Great Sioux Nation Reservation, which was to cover all of South Dakota west of the Missouri River, including the Black Hills. When gold was discovered in the Black Hills, the U.S. government took back much of the reservation land and divided it into five smaller reservations, one of which is Standing Rock. The main industries on the reservation are cattle ranching, farming and gaming (casinos). Today, Standing Rock is a community deeply affected by poverty. The unemployment rate is near 70% and the per capita income is only $3,241 (71% below the SD state average). Over half of the residents on the reservation receive some forms of public assistance. Nearly 50% of children on the reservation live in single-parent homes. Other challenges faced on the reservation include alcoholism, domestic violence and health issues. Despite so many challenges, the Lakota live out the meaning of their name – ‘friend or ally’ – and strive towards self-sufficiency for its people and its land.
About the Ministry
Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Ministries that your students may participate in are Kids Club and Work Projects. Kids Club is a hands-on program led by your youth offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Whether we’re painting houses, performing minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering in community gardens or other projects in the community, the projects students work on will serve as our way of blessing people in need. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!
Activities
Our goal with evening activities is to provide an exposure to the unique offering of the week and community. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: attend a local church service; participate in a cultural activity; visit a local park; and participate in a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided.
Ministry Week
Kids Club and Work Projects.
Mileage
The Standing Rock Reservation is approximately 69 miles south of Bismarck, North Dakota, 258 miles northeast of Rapid City (which has a small regional airport) and approximately 275 miles southwest of Fargo, ND. For more information on trip distances and transportation options, call our Service Center at 1.800.968.8504.
Transportation & Travel
Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Standing Rock can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller.
Additional Information
Read more about Standing Rock at http://www.standingrocktourism.com/data/upfiles/pdfs/27863-Insides.pdf.
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