Lakota, Dakota, Nakota – The Great Sioux Nation

"There was a time when the land was sacred, and the ancient ones were as one with it. A time when only the children of the Great Spirit were here to light their fires in these places with no boundaries…"

"In that time, when there were only simple ways, I saw with my heart the conflicts to come, and whether it was to be for good or bad, what was certain was that there would be change."

– The Great Spirit

The story of the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota – The Great Sioux Nation is one of resilience, adaptation, and deep spiritual connection to the land. This confederacy, often referred to as the Sioux, comprises several tribes united by shared ancestry and similar, yet distinct, dialects. These dialects form the basis of the three main divisions within the nation: the Lakota, the Dakota, and the Nakota. Each group possesses unique histories and territories, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Great Sioux Nation.

The Lakota, Dakota, Nakota – The Great Sioux Nation is not a monolithic entity but rather a collective of distinct peoples bound by language and shared cultural roots. The Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota each developed unique identities and relationships with their environments, reflecting the vastness and diversity of the North American landscape they inhabited. Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of indigenous peoples in the face of immense challenges.

The Lakota, Dakota, Nakota – The Great Sioux Nation is a story of a people profoundly connected to the land, their traditions shaped by the rhythms of nature and the cycles of the seasons. From the buffalo hunts that sustained them to the spiritual ceremonies that guided their lives, the Sioux lived in harmony with their surroundings, their existence interwoven with the delicate balance of the plains ecosystem.

The term "Sioux" itself carries a complex history. It originates from the Chippewa word "Nadowessioux," which translates to "Snake" or "Enemy." Other etymological origins trace the term to early Ottawa (Algonquian) singular /na:towe:ssi/ (plural /na:towe:ssiwak/) “Sioux,” apparently from a verb meaning “to speak a foreign language.” This exonym, bestowed by rival tribes, contrasts sharply with the names the people use for themselves. They prefer Lakota or Dakota, both meaning "friends" or "allies," reflecting their internal sense of unity and camaraderie. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding the perspective and self-identification of indigenous peoples, moving beyond externally imposed labels.

Historically, the Sioux commanded respect and, at times, fear across the vast expanse of the North American plains and prairies. Their reputation as skilled warriors and adept hunters extended from the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains. This dominance stemmed from their adaptation to the plains environment, particularly their mastery of horsemanship after the introduction of horses by the Spanish in the 16th century.

Prior to their life on the plains, the tribes of the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota – The Great Sioux Nation lived a more sedentary existence. Migrating westward from Minnesota, they embraced a nomadic lifestyle, following the herds of buffalo that provided sustenance, clothing, and shelter. The teepee, a portable and easily erected dwelling, became a symbol of their mobility and adaptability. These cone-shaped structures were perfectly suited to the nomadic lifestyle, offering protection from the elements while allowing for quick relocation as the tribes followed the migrating buffalo.

Despite their reputation as formidable warriors, the family unit formed the cornerstone of Sioux society. Children, considered "Wakanisha" or sacred, were cherished and held a central place within the community. While monogamy was the prevalent practice, men were permitted to have multiple wives, although infidelity was severely punished. This reflects a complex social structure where both individual freedoms and communal values were carefully balanced.

Gender roles were clearly defined within the Sioux. Men were responsible for providing for and protecting their families, with hunting holding paramount importance. Strict hunting regulations were enforced, and violations could result in severe penalties, including the destruction of property. Women, on the other hand, held the position of matriarchs, wielding significant influence over family matters and domestic affairs. This division of labor ensured the smooth functioning of the community and reflected the interdependence of men and women in Sioux society.

The Sioux held a deep spiritual connection to the world around them. They believed in Wakan Tanka, the Great Mystery, an all-pervasive divine force. Religious visions were actively sought, and communion with the spirit world was achieved through music, dance, and elaborate rituals. Acts of self-sacrifice, such as inflicting wounds upon oneself, were performed to demonstrate devotion and assert one’s identity as a warrior. These practices underscore the profound spiritual depth of the Sioux and their unwavering commitment to their beliefs. Even mourning rituals often included these acts of self-sacrifice.

Warfare held a significant place in Sioux culture, serving as a means for men to gain prestige and elevate their family’s honor. Success in battle was not merely about conquest but also about demonstrating courage, skill, and commitment to the community. This emphasis on valor and martial prowess contributed to the Sioux’s reputation as formidable warriors and played a crucial role in shaping their interactions with other tribes and, eventually, with the encroaching European settlers.

The Lakota

The Lakota, sometimes spelled "Lakhota," are known for their prowess as warriors and their mastery of buffalo hunting. Also known as the Tetons, referring to their dialect and location west of the Dakota on the plains, the Lakota consist of seven distinct tribes. These include the Oglala, Sicangu (Brulé), Hunkpapa, Miniconjou, Itazipco (Sans Arc), Sihasapa (Blackfeet Sioux), and Oohenunpa (Two Kettles).

Originating from the upper Mississippi region in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Lakota population has grown significantly over time. From approximately 20,000 in the mid-18th century, their numbers have increased to around 70,000 today. Remarkably, about one-third of the Lakota population still speaks their ancestral language, preserving a vital aspect of their cultural heritage.

During the early stages of European exploration and settlement in the 1600s, the Lakota resided in the vicinity of present-day Minnesota. They relied on hunting small game, deer, and gathering wild rice for sustenance. Surrounded by larger, rival tribes, the Lakota faced constant challenges. Conflicts with their primary enemy, the Ojibwa, ultimately compelled them to migrate westward. By the 1700s, the Lakota had acquired horses, transforming their way of life and enabling them to thrive as buffalo hunters on the high plains of Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas, and as far north as Canada. The Tetons, being the largest of the Lakota tribes, rose to dominance in the region.

The westward expansion of white settlers onto Sioux lands led to numerous broken treaties and escalating tensions. In response, the Sioux retaliated, triggering a series of major wars and countless smaller battles and skirmishes. These conflicts represent a tragic chapter in the history of the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota – The Great Sioux Nation, marked by broken promises, violence, and the struggle to defend their ancestral lands.

The first major clash occurred in 1854 near Fort Laramie, Wyoming, resulting in the deaths of 19 U.S. soldiers. In retaliation, U.S. troops attacked a Sioux encampment in Nebraska in 1855, killing approximately 100 people and imprisoning their chief. From 1866 to 1867, Red Cloud’s War erupted, culminating in a treaty that granted the Black Hills in perpetuity to the Sioux. However, this treaty was soon violated by the United States as gold prospectors and miners flooded the region in the 1870s. This influx led to further conflict, culminating in the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876, where General George Armstrong Custer and 300 troops were defeated by the Sioux under Chief Sitting Bull.

Following the Battle of Little Bighorn, the Sioux dispersed into various groups. The massacre at Wounded Knee in December 1890, where U.S. troops killed an estimated 150 to 370 Sioux men, women, and children, marked a devastating end to organized Sioux resistance until modern times. This tragic event remains a symbol of the injustice and brutality inflicted upon the Sioux people during the era of westward expansion.

Today, the majority of the Lakota reside on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota, a territory spanning 2,782 square miles.

The Dakota

The Dakota Sioux, also known as the Santee Sioux, originally migrated northeast into Ohio and Minnesota. The name "Santee" originates from their practice of camping for extended periods, during which they collected stones to make knives. As Woodland people, they thrived on hunting, fishing, and some farming. The Lakota branched off from the Dakota, moving further west onto the Great Plains.

The Dakota tribe consists of four bands, primarily residing in South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota. These include the Mdewakanton, Wahpeton, Wahpekute, and Sisseton.

The 19th century witnessed the systematic extermination of buffalo herds by railroad companies, a deliberate strategy to force the tribes onto reservations. As the buffalo population dwindled, the Dakota and Lakota were compelled to accept reservations in exchange for their remaining lands. Domestic cattle and corn were provided to the Sioux in lieu of buffalo, rendering them dependent on the government for food and treaty-guaranteed payments.

In 1862, a delayed federal payment, coupled with a failed crop the previous year and widespread winter starvation, exacerbated tensions. When local traders refused to extend further credit to the Dakota, and the local federal agent infamously suggested they "eat grass," the situation reached a breaking point. On August 17, 1862, the Sioux Uprising began when a few Dakota men attacked a white farmer, triggering a series of attacks on white settlements along the Minnesota River. The U.S. Army suppressed the revolt, and subsequently, 303 Dakota were tried and condemned for war crimes. President Abraham Lincoln commuted the death sentences of 285 warriors but authorized the execution of 38 Dakota men by hanging on December 29, 1862, in Mankato, Minnesota. This event remains the largest mass execution in U.S. history.

The Nakota

The Nakota, also known as the Yanktonai or Yankton Sioux, separated from the Dakota and migrated to the prairies in southeastern South Dakota. They are divided into three bands: the Yankton, who reside on the Yankton Reservation in South Dakota; the Upper Yanktonai, who are split between the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota and the Devil’s Lake Reservation in North Dakota; and the Lower Yanktonai, who are divided between the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota and the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana.

Modern Sioux

In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Sioux were entitled to an award of $17.5 million, plus 5% interest per year since 1877, totaling approximately $106 million, as compensation for the unjust seizure of the Black Hills in direct violation of the Treaty of Fort Laramie. However, the Sioux have steadfastly refused to accept the money, which remains in a trust fund in Washington, D.C., accumulating interest.

A significant division exists among the Sioux today regarding whether to claim the money, thereby relinquishing their rights to the Black Hills forever, or to continue pressing for the return of the land.

The Great Sioux Nation encompasses 2,782 square miles in South Dakota and neighboring states. As one of the largest Native American groups, the Sioux primarily reside on reservations in Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota is the second-largest in the United States. Many Sioux individuals are involved in farming and ranching, including bison raising. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux operate a large casino on their reservation in Minnesota, while the Oglala efforts to establish one at Pine Ridge have faced limited success. Indian Country Today, a prominent Native American newspaper, originated at Pine Ridge in 1981 and is now based in Rapid City, South Dakota. In 1990, the Sioux population in the United States exceeded 100,000, with over 10,000 residing in Canada.

However, many reservations grapple with significant challenges, including violence, alcoholism, apathy, and despair. School dropout rates range from 45% to 62%. Suicide rates among indigenous people are double the U.S. national average, and unemployment hovers around 80%.

The Lakota have established the Alliance of Tribal Tourism Advocates to enhance tourism development prospects through the nation’s organizations, beliefs, and priorities. In 1999, Shannon County, South Dakota, home to the Oglala Lakota on Pine Ridge Reservation, was identified as the poorest place in the United States.