 The Kul Wicasa Oyate, now more commonly known as Lower Brule Sioux Tribal members, lived for centuries on the prairies of the Upper Plains. The seemingly endless herds of bison provided food, shelter and for most needs of the people. Big Mane, pictured here, lived during the end of this time. A time that saw the extermination of the bison and the forcing of Native Americans from most homelands onto small reservations. |
 Trapping and hunting were important parts of reservation life. It was a way to provide food for the family, clothing, and make an income. The rich floodplain of the Missouri River was critical habitat on the reservation. It provided food such as plums and chokecheries, medicinal plants, and habitat for wildlife. |
 Hydroelectric dams were constructed on the Missouri River by the Federal Government in the 1950s and 60s. The Big Bend Dam, was constructed on the Missouri River within the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation. The bottomlands where the people built their homes to be near the supply of food, shelter, firewood and medicinal plants was lost forever by the rising resevoir waters of the dams. Tribal members were left homeless, and all the wood to rebuild was under the water. The Kul Wicasa Oyate lost the most precious area of the reservation that was critical to health and survival of the people. |
 Skeletons of trees that once lived on the floodplains along the Missouri River can sometimes still be seen when the reservoir's water level drops. They are a vivid reminder of what was lost when the dams were constructed. The people and the environment here on the reservation have been adversely impacted by the development of the dam. |
 The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Department of Wildlife, Fish and Recreation is responsible for the wise stewardship of the natural systems of the reservation. The department relies on a strong traditional value system in caring for the natural world. Through the work of this departement, significant gains are being made in restoring a healthy balance to the reservation. |
 Planting native tree and shrub species is just one of many diverse programs. The Lower Brule Sioux Wildlife, Fish and Recreation Department has planted nearly ONE MILLION trees. The benefits to the habitat are invaluable, and the tribe is now in a position to become a partner with the United States Department of Agriculture Nature Resrouces Conervation Service to aid in carbon sequestration.
Habitat and species restoration are programs that not only help the environment, but directly assist the economy by providing employment. |
 Restoration of a healthy environment on the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation is attainable. Although many negative impacts have affected the people and land of the reservation, we choose to capitalize on our successes and look to the future. Adequate funding is the limiting factor in expanding programs to benefit the people and environment of the reservation. |
 Employment and career opportunities for those on the reservation is also an important aspect of the environmental restoration work. Here biologist Shaun Grassel and college student Robbie Estes, collect small mammal data. Both are Lower Brule Sioux Tribal members. |
The Maka Foundation assists the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Department of Wildlife, Fish and Recreation through raising charitable donations for the department's programs and projects.
Please consider making a real impact to the future of the environment by making a tax-deductible donation to the Maka Foundation. Go to the "Donate Now" page to make your on-line tax deductible donation.
IT IS PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!
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