It was the purpose of this study to describe and analyze the differences in value systems of the Dakota Indians and Western Civilization, and to suggest a probable explanation for the religious practices of present-day (1958) Pine Ridge Reservation residents (28 families) as a result of the conflict in values between the 2 societies. The method used to accomplish this was based on the assumption that the Pine Ridge Indians would express their primary values in response to a series of questions based on ideas commonly held in either the traditional Dakota or modern American culture. In this attempt to describe the value system of the Dakota Indians and to suggest an explanation for reservation religious practices, a shift was noted from the traditional Dakota values to the modern values of Western Civilization. This study revealed that the Dakota Indians had, to a large extent, lost the old system of social values which gave purpose and direction to their lives. Reactions to this state of affairs varied with each individual from stubborn maintenance of traditional values to rejection of all Dakota values and full acceptance of non-Indian values. The assumption of positions at either extreme may provide a relatively stable personality adjustment, but the individual who vacillates between the 2 value systems is likely to search for some sources of meaning in group-approved and recognition-giving activities, such as are available in marginal religions. (LS)