Sioux Indians Research Paper

The Sioux Indians came to North America from Asia about 30,000 years ago. The name Sioux actually means “little snake”, which was given to them by the Chippewa Indians. Sioux were nomadic, meaning that they never stayed in one place for an extended period. Typically they followed the pattern of the buffalo, making sure there would be food and clothing wherever they traveled. The Sioux made the mistake of becoming close with the westward thrust of American expansion at a time when the American views of the Indians had become more negative. The Indians were no longer needed as allies in the eyes of the government and looked upon as purely in the way. Indians found themselves in a dangerous time of being regarded as dependent domestic minorities. Within a generation, the Sioux found themselves indigents in their native land, with no alternative but to accept the idea of reservation life. This made it impossible for the tribe to maintain honorable, peaceful relations with the United States. Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Red Cloud, and other Lakota Sioux leaders are among the most famous of all Native Americans in U.S. history.
How was leadership determined? …show more content…
To be “Chief” was considered an honorary title. It doesn’t mean that the Chief was solely "in charge" of his people. Instead he was a direct chain of command, the Indians traditionally ruled by unanimous vote of a council of Chiefs of "Headmen" from a variety of bands. Decisions made by the council served to guide rather than command the people.
How did this tribe interact with other tribes?
The Great Sioux Nation, known as Oceti Sakowin, or "Seven Council Fires," is a union of closely allied associated groups. They speak three mutually clear dialects of the Siouan language family: Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota.
What were or are their cultural traditions and