The Sicangu, often referred to as the "Burnt Thigh" people, hold a significant place within the intricate tapestry of the Lakota Nation. As one of the seven council fires, or Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, the Lakota are a vital part of the Great Sioux Nation, a confederacy of related Indigenous groups inhabiting the Great Plains. Understanding the Sicangu and their history offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage, the struggles for survival, and the enduring spirit of the Lakota people. This article will explore the origins of the Lakota, the story behind the name Sicangu, their historical journey across the plains, and their present-day existence as the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
Origins and the Sacred Black Hills
Lakota origin stories, passed down through generations, speak of a beginning in a sacred space: a cave located within what is now Wind Cave National Park, nestled on the southern edge of the Black Hills of South Dakota. This cave is considered a place of emergence, a point where the Lakota ancestors transitioned from an underworld existence to the world of light and life. Emerging from the cave, they were joined by the Pte, the buffalo, an animal destined to play a pivotal role in their survival and culture. The buffalo provided sustenance, offering meat for nourishment, hides for shelter and clothing, and bones for tools. This symbiotic relationship between the Lakota and the buffalo shaped their nomadic lifestyle and deeply influenced their spiritual beliefs.
The Lakota were a nomadic people, their movements dictated by the seasonal migrations of the buffalo herds. Their journey took them across vast territories, from the Great Plains to the Great Lakes, and even as far east as present-day North Carolina, before eventually returning to Minnesota and then, once again, to the Black Hills. This cyclical migration reflects their adaptability and their deep connection to the land.
According to Rosebud historian Victor Douville, Lakota star knowledge places their presence in the Black Hills as far back as 1700 B.C. This deep historical connection to the land is fundamental to understanding the Lakota identity. Douville emphasizes the importance of understanding their history and origins, stating that "The old ways, the origins give us [a] basis." These origin stories are not merely tales of the past; they are the foundation upon which Lakota culture, identity, and land claims are built.
These origin stories have proven crucial in legal battles, particularly in the struggle for the Black Hills. The Lakota used their oral traditions and historical accounts as evidence in court, demonstrating their long-standing connection to the land and proving that the Black Hills were unjustly taken from them. The legal proceedings acknowledged the Lakota’s title to the Black Hills, acknowledging that the land should not have been taken from them.
The Sicangu: The Burnt Thigh People
The Sicangu, as a part of the Lakota, carry their own distinct history and identity. The name "Sicangu" translates to "Burnt Thigh" people. This name originated from a historical event that took place on the prairies of what is now eastern South Dakota. As the story goes, a prairie fire erupted near a lake, forcing people to seek refuge. Some plunged into the lake to escape the flames, while others attempted to jump through the fire. Those who jumped through the flames suffered burns, particularly on their thighs, thus giving rise to the name "Sicangu."
The Sicangu are also known as the Brulé, and some reside on the Lower Brule Reservation, located along the Missouri River. Before the establishment of treaties and reservations, the Lakota, including the Sicangu, roamed freely across the prairies of present-day Nebraska, Wyoming, and South Dakota, following the buffalo herds for survival.
Resistance and Treaty Rights
As European settlers migrated westward, the Lakota, including the Sicangu, found themselves increasingly in conflict with the newcomers and the U.S. Military. They fought to protect their lands, their way of life, and their cultural heritage. The Battle of the Little Bighorn, a significant victory for the Lakota and their allies, remains a powerful symbol of their resistance. Today, the Lakota continue to regard the ground where the battle took place as their ancestral land.
The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 was initially viewed by the Lakota as a treaty of peace, granting them rights to over 11 million acres of land. This treaty was intended to end the Red Cloud Wars, a series of conflicts between the Lakota and the U.S. government. However, the treaty was soon violated. In 1874, Lieutenant Colonel George Custer led an illegal expedition into the Black Hills, seeking gold. This discovery triggered a gold rush, leading Congress to open the Black Hills to settlement and subsequently establishing the reservation system.
Spotted Tail, Sitting Bull, and Red Cloud, prominent Lakota leaders, traveled to Washington, D.C. in 1875 to protest the influx of miners into the Black Hills, arguing that it violated the terms of the 1868 treaty. Despite their efforts, the U.S. government continued to encroach upon Lakota lands.
Spotted Tail and the Rosebud Reservation
Spotted Tail (Sinte Gleska), a respected leader of the Sicangu at the time of the reservation’s establishment, initially resisted settling along the Missouri River, fearing that his people would be forced into agriculture. He skillfully guided his people through the turbulent times of settlement and conflict with the U.S. government.
Born in 1823 and originally named Jumping Buffalo, he earned the name Spotted Tail after becoming a warrior and wearing a raccoon tail given to him by fur traders. His leadership qualities were evident early in his life.
In 1855, Spotted Tail and two other men surrendered themselves at Fort Laramie to prevent further harm to their tribe after a Brulé individual was accused of murder. During his year-long imprisonment, he learned to read and write English. He was spared from execution by President Franklin Pierce.
In 1877, the Spotted Tail Agency was established south of White Clay, Nebraska, near the present-day Pine Ridge Reservation. Spotted Tail moved his agency five times before settling it at Rosebud in 1878. Rosebud became the homeland of the Sicangu.
Spotted Tail is remembered as the last true chief of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate, earning his title through his battle prowess and diplomatic skills. He was not a hereditary chief but earned his position through merit. He refused to sign the sale of the Black Hills in 1875 and played a vital role in the negotiations, though no Lakota leader ultimately agreed to the sale.
Spotted Tail was bestowed the honor of being a shirt wearer, one of the highest recognitions for a Lakota man, signifying his exceptional leadership and service to his people. He was tragically killed by Crow Dog in 1881.
Assimilation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Today
The Rosebud Reservation was opened to homesteading in 1904, further diminishing the land owned by the Sicangu. The Allotment Act of 1887 significantly reduced the tribal land base, from 3.3 million acres to less than 900,000 acres. Under the Act, each family was allocated a parcel of land, the tribe retained some acreage, and the remaining land was opened to homesteaders for sale at a low price.
In the late 19th century, the U.S. government implemented policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream society. Religious groups were assigned to establish schools and missions on reservations. On the Rosebud Reservation, the Episcopal and Catholic churches established St. Francis Mission, which evolved into a boarding school. This school played a significant role in educating generations of Rosebud residents. However, the boarding school experience was often fraught with challenges. Students were often forbidden from speaking their native language, and traditional cultural practices were discouraged.
Today, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe is an IRA tribe, meaning that they adopted the federal government’s Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The Act established a constitution similar to the U.S. Constitution and used blood quantum to determine tribal membership. The tribal government consists of administrative officers, a tribal council, a president serving a two-year term, and a vice president, all elected at large. The reservation is divided into 13 districts, each electing two representatives to serve on the tribal council, totaling 20 representatives.
The Sicangu, as part of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, continue to preserve their cultural heritage, language, and traditions. They strive to maintain their sovereignty and advocate for their rights. The legacy of the Sicangu, the Burnt Thigh people, is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and enduring spirit of the Lakota Nation. They serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
