American Indian Culture and Research Journal

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Native Americans living in Rapid City, South Dakota. Specifically, the research team wanted to know how Native American opinions were affected by the Rapid City economy and what Native Americans’ concerns were in regard to available educational services, housing, transportation, recreation, and employment. These data may be utilized to assess Native American needs within the Rapid City community. According to the 1990 census, there are 50,573 Indians living in South Dakota, compared to 44,968 in 1980-a 12.5 percent increase in ten years. The 1990 census indicated that there are 4,852 Native Americans living in Rapid City. The heads of 301 Native American households were interviewed concerning those programs they would most like to see in Rapid City. A head of household was defined as the principal income producer of the house. The answers given on the survey were kept confidential and no names were requested on the questionnaire. Eight pilot test surveys were administered. Members of the task force critiqued the pilots, and a final survey form incorporating their changes was developed. The task force is a combination of Indian and non-Indian committee members in charge of the development projects for the Native Americans living in Rapid City. This project was approved and funded by the Rapid City Mayor’s Task Force.