The American Indian Sioux, also known as the Dakota or Lakota, were a migratory tribe who were relocated to reservations in the late 1800s. They had seven tribes and three major divisions, and were typically corn farmers and hunters who lived in tipis. They were a spiritual tribe who communicated with the spirit world through music, dance, and celebrations. Gender roles were specific, with women as caretakers and men as hunters and warriors. Today, many Sioux continue their culture and traditions through art, music, and dance.
An American Indian Sioux is a member of the Sioux, also known as the Dakota or Lakota, Indian tribe. The name “Sioux” can be traced back to the 17th century when the Chippewa Indians called the tribe “Nadouwesou”, meaning “vipers”. The name Nadouwesou is commonly believed to have been shortened to “Sioux” by French traders. There are seven tribes and three major divisions of American Indian Sioux and they share a culture and tradition that is still alive today.
The Sioux were a type of migratory people until the late 1800s when the US government relocated most of them to reservations or reservations in America and Canada. The homelands of the Sioux American Indians were in an area of the United States now known as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota. They also had recognized settlements in what is now Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, Illinois and Canada. Today the Sioux live primarily in the Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota and Saskatchewan, Canada.
The Santee, or Eastern Division of the Sioux American Indians, consists of the Wahpekute, Mdewakantonwan, Wahpetonwan, and Sisitonwan tribes. The Ihanktonwana, or Yanktonai, tribe forms the Nakota, or central division of the Sioux. The Lakota, or Western Division, consists of the Titonwan, or Teton tribe. The Teton Tribe was originally a single band of Sioux Indians, but after they moved to the Dakotas, they split into several subdivisions, including the Oglala, Hunkpapa, and Blackfoot tribes.
When the Sioux lived in what is now Wisconsin and Minnesota, they were typically corn farmers and hunters. Once they migrated to the Great Plains, they moved frequently to follow the buffalo herds. Buffalo had become their main source of food, along with elk and deer. They usually lived in large tents, or tipis, made of buffalo hide. The tipis were relatively easy to move, as they accommodated the nomadic existence of the Sioux: an entire village could be packed up and moved in less than an hour.
The Sioux were believed to be a very spiritual tribe. They typically communicated with the spirit world through music, dance, and celebrations known as powwows. Sioux men may also have taken part in a 12-day summer ritual called the “Sun Dance.” The Sun Dance is sometimes considered one of the most important spiritual dances of the Sioux. It featured Sioux warriors, who inflicted wounds and endured pain while dancing to show their bravery and commitment to the tribe.
Culturally, American Indian Sioux had roles that were usually gender specific. Sioux women were the owners and caretakers of the house. Not only did they build the tipis, but they were responsible for moving them when the tribe moved. Like many other Native American mothers, Sioux women often carried their babies on their backs in “cradles.” They may have engaged in storytelling, music, beadwork, and traditional medicine.
Sioux men were considered hunters and warriors and had the task of ensuring food for their families and defending them from physical threats. Historians theorize that the Sioux fought the wars to demonstrate bravery rather than to establish their territory. Men, not women, were typically eligible to become leaders. The men also engaged in trade with other Native American and European traders. Although women were noted for their work with feathers and beadwork, Sioux men are commonly credited with creating elaborate paintings on buffalo hides.
American Indian Sioux no longer live in tipis and may have assimilated into modern society, although many continue the culture and traditions of their ancestors. Traditional art forms such as pen and bead work that were made over 200 years ago are still done today. Many members of the Sioux American Indian tribe also practice traditional Sioux music and dance during celebrations and powwows.
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