The Oglala Sioux Tribe, also known as the Oglala Lakota Nation, stands as a prominent and historically significant federally recognized tribe within the broader Sioux Nation. As members of the Western or Teton Sioux, the Oglala are part of the Lakota, the westernmost of the three major Siouan language groups. The story of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is one of resilience, cultural preservation, and a deep connection to the lands of the Great Plains.
A Name Rich in Meaning:
The name "Oglala" itself carries a story. In the Lakota language, "Oglala" translates to "They scatter their own." This refers to a historical event when the original Oglala band experienced internal conflict, leading to a segment of the group breaking away and scattering to different areas, forming a separate Oglala band. The term "Lakota," often translated as "ally" or "friend," is more accurately understood as "those who consider themselves kindred," reflecting the strong sense of community and shared identity within the Lakota people. The Oglala Sioux Tribe embraces its historical and cultural identity.
Contemporary Presence:
Today, the Oglala Sioux Tribe is headquartered in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and their official mailing address is PO Box 2070, Pine Ridge, South Dakota 57770. They can be reached by phone at 605-867-5821, and though an official email is not listed, further information can be found on their archived website.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe‘s presence extends across several states, including northern Nebraska, southern Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and northeastern Montana. They also have communities in Canada. The heart of their territory is the Pine Ridge Reservation, a vast landscape spanning Shannon and Jackson Counties in South Dakota.
The Pine Ridge Reservation: A Land of History and Challenges:
The Pine Ridge Reservation encompasses approximately 2,000,000 acres, with a complex land ownership structure. Tribal-owned land accounts for 706,340 acres, while allotted (individually owned by tribal members) land covers 1,064,840 acres. The federal government owns a smaller portion, totaling 1,536 acres. Allen, South Dakota, located within the Pine Ridge Reservation, faces the unfortunate distinction of having one of the lowest per capita incomes in the United States, a stark reminder of the economic challenges that persist within the community. The history of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is interwoven with the story of the Pine Ridge Reservation.
A History Forged in Migration and Conflict:
The story of the Oglala Sioux begins long before the establishment of reservations. Linguistic and archaeological evidence suggests that Siouan-speaking peoples originated in the lower Mississippi River region and migrated to the Ohio Valley. These early Siouan peoples were agriculturalists, possibly associated with the Mound Builder civilization that flourished between the 9th and 12th centuries CE.
By the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Dakota-Lakota-Nakota speakers resided in the upper Mississippi region, encompassing present-day Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. However, conflicts with the Anishnaabe and Cree peoples pushed the Lakota westward onto the Great Plains during the mid- to late-17th century. This westward migration marked a significant shift in their way of life, transforming them from agriculturalists to nomadic hunter-gatherers dependent on the buffalo.
Treaties and Tribulations:
The Oglala Sioux Tribe’s history is marked by numerous treaties with the United States government, often born out of conflict and negotiation. Notable treaties include:
- Treaty With The Sioune And Oglala Tribes, 1825: An early attempt to establish peaceful relations and define boundaries.
- Treaty With The Teton, Etc., Sioux, 1825: Addressing relations with the Teton, Yancton, and Yanctonies bands of the Sioux.
- Treaty with the Sioux – Brule, Oglala, Miniconjou, Yanktonai, Hunkpapa, Blackfeet, Cuthead, Two Kettle, Sans Arcs, and Santee, and Arapaho, 1868 (Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868): A landmark treaty that initially recognized Sioux ownership of a vast territory, including the Black Hills, but was later violated by the U.S. government.
The Fort Laramie Treaty, in particular, holds a complex and tragic place in Oglala history. While it initially guaranteed the tribe control over a large area, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills led to an influx of settlers and the eventual seizure of these sacred lands by the U.S. government.
The Oglala Flag: A Symbol of Unity and Sacrifice:
The official flag of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, adopted in 1962, is a powerful symbol of their history and identity. The flag features eight white tipis arranged in a hocoka (camp circle) on a red background. Each tipi represents one of the eight districts where the seven tiyošpayes (bands or communities) of the Oglala Lakota settled at Pine Ridge in the late 19th century. The circle symbolizes continuity and unity, while the red background represents the blood shed by the Oglala people.
Population and Language:
French explorers estimated the total Sioux population (Lakota, Santee, Yankton, and Yanktonai) at 28,000 in 1660. By 1830, the Oglala numbered around 3,000, growing to 16,110 by 1881. Today, the Lakota people number around 70,000, with approximately 40,000 enrolled in the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
The Lakota language, Lakhotiya, is a vital part of Oglala culture. While the number of fluent speakers has declined, revitalization efforts are underway to preserve and promote the language. Various resources are available, including online dictionaries, language courses, and forums, to support Lakota language learners.
Government and Governance:
The Oglala Sioux Tribe operates under a constitution consistent with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The governing body is the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council, composed of 19 council members and executive officers, including a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a Fifth Member who serves as a liaison between the Executive Tribal Council and the General Council. Elections are held every two years.
Cultural Traditions and Spiritual Beliefs:
The Oglala Sioux culture is rich in traditions, ceremonies, and spiritual beliefs. Key aspects include:
- Wakan Tanka: The Great Spirit, representing the ultimate power and mystery.
- Animal Lore: A deep respect for animals and the belief that they possess spiritual power and can serve as spirit helpers.
- Sacred Herbs: The use of tobacco, sweetgrass, sage, and cedar for purification and attracting good spirits.
- Ceremonies: Important ceremonies include the Sun Dance, a sacred ritual involving prayer, fasting, and sacrifice; the Ghost Dance, a religious movement that promised the return of ancestors and a restoration of the traditional way of life; and the Buffalo Ceremony, a puberty rite for young girls.
Art, Crafts, and Material Culture:
The Oglala are renowned for their artistic skills and craftsmanship. Women are particularly known for their intricate beadwork and porcupine quillwork, while men traditionally create paintings on buffalo hides. Other art forms include pottery, parfleche bags, and ceremonial peace pipes.
Traditional clothing consisted of deerskin or elkskin dresses for women and breechcloths with leggings and buckskin shirts for men. Adornment included long braids, shell earrings, and necklaces. The tipi served as the traditional dwelling, providing shelter and mobility for the nomadic lifestyle.
Challenges and Contemporary Life:
Despite their rich cultural heritage, the Oglala Sioux Tribe faces numerous challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and health disparities. The legacy of historical trauma and the ongoing struggle for self-determination continue to shape the lives of tribal members.
Today, the tribe is working to improve the quality of life for its members through economic development initiatives, educational programs, and cultural preservation efforts. Oglala Lakota College provides higher education opportunities, while KILI Radio serves as a vital source of information and cultural programming. The Lakota Country Times and Native Sun News provide important coverage of tribal affairs.
The story of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is one of enduring strength and resilience. Despite facing immense challenges throughout history, they have maintained their cultural identity, traditions, and spirit. As they navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Oglala Sioux Tribe remains a powerful force for cultural preservation, self-determination, and the pursuit of a brighter future for their people.