Spirit Lake Nation
 | Outer Circle: Spirit Lake Tribe, the Federal Government recognizes Native People as Indian Tribes, orginally our Tribe was known as Devils Lake Sioux and since has been corectly changed to Spirit Lake. Four Tipis represent the four districts of the Spirit Lake Reservation Seven Stars represent the seven campfires (Oc’eti S’akowin) of the Dakota Nation which are: Mdewakantonwan, Wahpekute, Sisitonwan, Wahpetonwan, Titonwan, Ihanktonwan & Ihanktonwana. Middle Circle: Wahpetonwan, Sisitonwan & Ihanktonwana were the three bands of Dakota residing here at Spirit Lake when the treaty was signed in 1867 Inner Circle: 1864 Treaty is blank representing the promises that were made to the Indian people by the U.S. Government The Peace Pipe represents the Dakota Chiefs way of honoring their word when they signed in 1867 Treaty (the pipe is typical eastern Dakota) The Sword and War Bonnet represent the peace agreement between the U.S. Army and the Dakota Warriors (the sword is typical 1860s era) |
About Spirit Lake Nation
Location & Size: The Spirit Lake Nation is located in northeastern North Dakota, primarily in Benson County, with parts of the reservation extending into Eddy, Nelson, and Ramsey Counties. The community is centered around Fort Totten, which serves as the Tribal headquarters. The reservation spans approximately 405 square miles, or about 259,000 acres, and borders Devils Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in the state.
Population: Total enrolled members living on the Spirit Lake reservation is 2,069. These numbers represent the enrolled members who have their current physical address updated with the Enrollment Office. As of January 2021, we have a total enrollment of 7,559 members. (Spirit Lake Nation)
Languages: At Spirit Lake Nation, both English and the Dakota language (specifically the Eastern Dakota dialect) are spoken.
Election Process
Every election shall be by secret ballot, and a majority vote shall govern.
Every enrolled member of the Devils Lake Sioux Tribe of the age of 18 years or more, who has resided on the Reservation for a period of one year immediately prior to the election, shall be entitled to vote in any election.
Every eligible voter shall register in the district of such voter's residence at the time of the election. (d) Every eligible voter of the age of 25 years or more shall be eligible to be a candidate for district representative or for any Tribal office.
Every eligible candidate shall file a notice of intent to run for office on or before the third Tuesday of March.
A primary election shall be held to select two qualified candidates for each office to be filled at the general election.
The primary election shall be held on the third Tuesday of April. If the day on which the primary election is to be held occurs on a holiday, the election shall be held on the next regular business day.
If the primary election cannot be held as provided for herein for any reason, the Tribal Council shall set the dates for the filing of notices of intent to run and for the primary election.
The general election shall be held 14 days after the primary election. If the day on which the general election is to be held occurs on a holiday, the election shall be held on the next regular business day.
The Tribal Council shall enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
The reservation shall consist of four districts and shall have representatives as follows:
- Crowhill District
- Fort Totten District
- Mission District
- Woodlake District
Votes for candidates for District representatives shall be confined to the eligible voters of the District the candidate is to represent. Votes for the Secretary-Treasurer and Chairman shall be on a reservation-wide basis.
Education
The Spirit Lake Nation supports education through local schools and Cankdeska Cikana Community College.
Four Winds Community High School Grades - 9-12 |  Tate Topa Tribal School Grades - K-8 |
 Cankdeska Cikana Community College Cankdeska Cikana Community College offers 12 programs for associate degrees and certificates. Apprenticeships are also available. | |
