The Lakota, often referred to as the westernmost of the three primary divisions of the Sioux, are a resilient and culturally rich Native American people whose history is deeply interwoven with the landscape of the Great Plains. The term "Lakota" itself translates to "friends" or "allies," reflecting a sense of kinship and cooperation within their communities. The name is sometimes spelled "Lakhota" by native speakers and pronounced "Lak ó ta" by the Lakota people. Understanding the Lakota requires acknowledging their place within the broader Sioux Nation and their unique experiences shaped by geography, historical events, and cultural values.
The Sioux Nation: A Tapestry of Dialects and Territories
The Sioux, a name derived from a French adaptation of an Algonquin term meaning "snake" or "little snake" (originally intended as an insult), are comprised of seven distinct tribes or bands. These groups are categorized by the dialects they speak: Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota. Each dialect represents a subtle but significant variation in language, reflecting the geographical separation and independent development of these related communities.
- Lakota: As mentioned, the Lakota are the westernmost group, historically inhabiting lands spanning across North and South Dakota. Their way of life was profoundly shaped by the vast prairies and the abundance of the buffalo.
- Dakota: The Dakota people primarily reside in Minnesota and Nebraska. Their history, while intertwined with the Lakota, took a different trajectory, particularly concerning interactions with early settlers.
- Nakota: The Nakota represent the smallest division of the Sioux, with a significant presence on the Yankton Reservation in South Dakota.
This tripartite division highlights the diverse nature of the Sioux Nation, emphasizing that the term "Sioux" encompasses a spectrum of cultures, histories, and identities.
The Transformation of the Lakota: From Woodlands to the Plains
The Lakota experienced a significant cultural shift with the introduction of the horse. Prior to acquiring horses, their lives were more sedentary and less dependent on the vast buffalo herds of the Great Plains. The horse revolutionized their mobility, enabling them to efficiently hunt buffalo and travel across greater distances. This transformation led to a westward migration and a cultural adaptation centered on the buffalo and the horse.
By the mid-18th century, the Lakota population was estimated at around 30,000. Today, that number has more than doubled to approximately 70,000, a testament to their resilience and adaptability. However, a concerning trend is the decline in the number of Lakota speakers. While a significant portion of the population identifies as Lakota, only about a quarter retain fluency in their ancestral language, highlighting the urgent need for language preservation efforts.
Sacred Lands and Broken Treaties: The Black Hills and the Lakota
The Black Hills, known to the Lakota as Pahá Sápa, hold immense spiritual significance. These mountains are considered the heart of the Lakota world, a sacred place imbued with power and history. For generations, the Lakota have held ceremonies, sought visions, and gathered resources within these hills.
In 1868, the Treaty of Fort Laramie explicitly recognized Lakota ownership of the Black Hills, guaranteeing that the land would be exempt from white settlement "forever." This treaty, however, proved to be short-lived. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 triggered a massive influx of prospectors and settlers, blatantly violating the treaty and leading to escalating conflicts between the Lakota and the U.S. government.
General George Armstrong Custer, a figure synonymous with the Battle of Little Bighorn, played a key role in escalating tensions. His expeditions into the Black Hills fueled the gold rush and further encroached upon Lakota territory, contributing to the conditions that led to armed conflict.
The Battle of Little Bighorn and the Tragedy of Wounded Knee
The Battle of Little Bighorn, fought in 1876, stands as a pivotal moment in Lakota history. In this battle, the Lakota, allied with the Arapaho and Cheyenne, decisively defeated Custer and his troops. This victory, however, proved to be a pyrrhic one. The U.S. government responded with increased military force, relentlessly pursuing the Lakota and their allies.
Fourteen years later, in 1890, the tragic Massacre at Wounded Knee marked a devastating end to the Lakota resistance. U.S. soldiers massacred hundreds of unarmed Lakota men, women, and children, effectively crushing any remaining organized opposition. This event remains a deeply painful memory for the Lakota people, a symbol of the injustice and violence they endured.
The Dakota: A Different Path and the Uprising of 1862
The eastern Dakota people, unlike their Lakota cousins, traditionally lived in agricultural communities in Minnesota. They initially attempted to coexist with white settlers, accepting land cessions in exchange for annual payments promised by treaty. However, this arrangement proved disastrous.
In 1862, a severe crop failure and winter starvation pushed the Dakota to the brink. The promised treaty payments were delayed, and local traders refused to extend further credit. A federal agent infamously told the Dakota that they were free to "eat grass," a statement that ignited deep resentment and despair.
On August 17, 1862, the Dakota Uprising began. Dakota warriors attacked white settlements along the Minnesota River, resulting in significant loss of life on both sides. The uprising, though rooted in legitimate grievances, was met with swift and brutal suppression by the U.S. military.
Following the uprising, over 300 Dakota were convicted of murder and rape and sentenced to death. President Abraham Lincoln commuted the sentences of all but 38, who were executed in a mass hanging on December 26, 1862. This event remains the largest mass execution in United States history and a source of deep sorrow and trauma for the Dakota people.
The memory of the "Dakota 38" is honored each year at two separate powwows in Minnesota: the Mankato Powwow and the Birch Coulee Powwow. These gatherings serve as a time for remembrance, reconciliation, and healing.
Names and Divisions: Understanding Lakota Identity
The name "Sioux," as previously mentioned, originated as an insult from neighboring tribes. However, it has become the common term used by the U.S. government to refer to the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples.
The Lakota also have their own names for their subdivisions. The "Santee" received their name from their practice of camping in areas where they collected stone for making knives. The "Yankton" were named for their association with villages located far away. The "Tetonwan" were known as people who lived on the prairie. These three primary groups further divided into seven sub-tribes, each with its own distinct history and identity.
The Sioux Nation is structured into divisions, bands, and sub-bands, reflecting a complex social and political organization. Understanding these divisions is essential for appreciating the diversity within the Sioux Nation and the unique identities of its constituent groups.
In conclusion, the Lakota, as a significant part of the Sioux Nation, possess a rich and complex history marked by both resilience and tragedy. Their story is a reminder of the importance of honoring treaties, respecting cultural differences, and working towards reconciliation. By understanding their past, we can better appreciate their present and contribute to a more just and equitable future for the Lakota people.