As of 2019, the reservation had an estimated population of 11,095.[5]
History
The reservation was created by treaty on April 22, 1867 A.D. and called the Flatiron Reservation, in reference to its triangular shape.[6] It was created for the "friendly Dakota" from the Minnesota hostilities of 1862-1866. Signatories of the treaty were Gabriel Renville, John Otherday, and twenty-one other Sisseton and Wahpeton leaders.[6] Gabriel Renville was the first chief of the reservation.
The reservation is governed by a seven-member council, one member elected from each district:[8] Big Coulee (Iyakapta), Buffalo Lake (Can Onasa Bde), Enemy Swim (Toka Nuwan), Lake Traverse (Bde hda Kinyan), Long Hollow (Kaksize Hanska), Old Agency (Ate Yapi Tipi), and Veblen (Heipa). Councilmembers serve two-year terms.[9]
The executive committee comprises a chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary.[10]
