The Lakota, also known as Teton ("prairie dwellers"), and Teton Sioux ("snake, or enemy") are a Native American people group consisting of seven bands with the majority residing on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota and the Cheyenne River Reservation in north-central South Dakota.
Pine Ridge Reservation is home to poorest counties in the United States. Unemployment in some locations reaches 90% and male life expectancy often does not exceed 48.
Much of the Cheyenne River Reservation does not have water systems, making it difficult for people to live in sanitary conditions. In recent years, water systems have been constructed. Very few jobs are available. Two-thirds of the population survives on much less than one-third of the American average income.
Such dismal living conditions have contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair.