The Pine Ridge Reservation and Gold Mining

This case study was written by Ellen Dockery, a lower division undergraduate student who is not an earth science major, as part of the DLESE Community Services Project: Integrating Research in Education. The pages in this case study reflect the personal views of the student author and not of MSU, SERC or the NSF.
Oglala Sioux Tribal Flag. Details

This case study will address the destruction of the land of the Lakota Sioux, emphasizing the geological exploitation that was generated by the Gold Rush and subsequent mining. This activity has fostered violations, exploitation and discrimination. The study is dedicated to telling the story of the Lakota Sioux, culminating in an increased awareness so that we may confront the use of power that has proved so detrimental to both the Native Americans and their land.

To get started, view pages, or follow the links below to pages that have been developed to illustrate the events that occurred on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation due to gold mining:

  • About the Reservation - Explore the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
  • Geology and Physiography of the Black Hills - Explore the geology and physiography of the Black Hills including geologic maps, the tectonic setting, bedrock, major structures, and landforms.
  • Geology and Physiography of the Badlands - Explore the geology and physiography of the Badlands including geologic maps, the tectonic setting, bedrock, major structures, and landforms.
  • Geology and Physiography of Devil's Tower - Explore the geology and physiography of Devil's Tower.
  • Hydrology - Explore the surface water and groundwater systems and water quality of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
  • Climate and Biota - Explore the climate, flora and fauna of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
  • Cultural Heritage - Explore the culture of the Lakota Sioux tribe including the traditional land and lifestyle, history and mode of living.
  • Gold Deposits - Explore resources about gold and gold deposits specific to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
  • Exploration and Development History - Explore the discovery history, extraction methods, and development and production history of gold mining on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
  • Environmental and Human Health Impacts - Explore the environmental and human health impacts due to gold mining on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
  • Policy - Explore political issues related to gold mining on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

For ideas on how to use these webpages in a classroom, a Study Guide is provided.




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