The question of where the Blackfoot Sioux lived in the 1700s and 1800s is complex, intertwined with migration patterns, tribal divisions, and the relentless westward expansion of European settlers. Understanding their geographical presence during this period requires a deeper look into the Sioux Nation, its internal structures, and the historical forces that shaped their movements.
To answer the question thoroughly, we must first understand the term "Sioux" itself. The name "Sioux" is an exonym, a name given to them by outsiders. It originated from a French corruption of an Algonquin term, "nadowessioux," which roughly translates to "little snakes" or "enemies." This term was initially used by the Ojibwa (also known as Chippewa) and Ottawa tribes to refer to the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples. While originally intended as a derogatory term, the U.S. government adopted "Sioux" to encompass the entire group of Siouan-speaking people.
The Sioux Nation is not a monolithic entity, but rather a confederation of related tribes with shared linguistic and cultural roots. Historically, the Sioux were divided into three major divisions: the Dakota, the Nakota, and the Lakota. These divisions represent geographical locations and dialectal variations of the Siouan language. The Dakota, also known as the Santee Sioux, are considered the eastern division. The Nakota represent the middle division, and the Lakota, also known as the Teton Sioux or Western Sioux, form the western division. Each division is further subdivided into numerous sub-tribes and bands, each with its own distinct identity and leadership.
The Blackfoot Sioux (Sihasapa in their native language), officially known as the Black Feet of the Lakota Nation by the U.S. government, are a sub-division of the Teton Sioux, placing them within the Lakota division. It is crucial to differentiate them from the Blackfeet Confederacy (also referred to as the Blackfoot Indians in Canada), a separate and distinct tribal alliance located primarily in Montana and Alberta. These are entirely different people, with no connection to the Sioux.
Understanding the historical migrations of the Sioux is essential to pinpointing their location in the 1700s and 1800s. Originally, the Sioux occupied a vast territory stretching from the Great Lakes region westward onto the Great Plains. Before the arrival of Europeans and the introduction of the horse, the Sioux were primarily a woodland people, residing in the area bounded by Lake Michigan and Lake Superior to the east, the Missouri River to the west, and encompassing present-day Illinois, and parts of Wisconsin and Iowa. This eastern branch was often referred to as the Eastern Dakota.
As European colonization expanded westward, eastern tribes were displaced and forced to migrate westward, creating a domino effect that impacted the Sioux. Tribes pushed upon other tribes, leading to conflict and territorial shifts. This westward movement, coupled with the acquisition of horses in the mid-1700s, transformed the Sioux into a dominant Plains culture. The horse revolutionized their hunting practices, allowing them to effectively hunt buffalo and expand their territory.
By the 1700s, the Sioux had begun their significant migration westward onto the Great Plains. Their territory eventually extended from southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Canada, south through eastern Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, and into parts of New Mexico, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas and Texas. This vast territory reflects their adaptability and their dominance as a Plains people.
The Lakota, including the Blackfoot Sioux, were particularly prominent in the Black Hills region and the surrounding plains. The Black Hills held significant cultural and spiritual importance for the Lakota people. They viewed the Black Hills as a sacred place, the heart of their world. The rich resources of the area, including timber, game, and minerals, also made it a valuable territory.
However, the arrival of European settlers and the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in the 1870s led to intense conflict between the Sioux and the U.S. government. The government attempted to force the Sioux onto reservations, leading to the Great Sioux War of 1876, which included the famous Battle of Little Bighorn. Despite initial victories, the Sioux were eventually subdued and forced onto reservations.
By the late 1800s, most of the Blackfoot Sioux were confined to the Standing Rock Reservation, which straddles the border between North Dakota and South Dakota. While the official location of the reservation is in North Dakota, the southern portion, where most of the Blackfoot Sioux reside, is located in northern South Dakota. The tragic Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 marked the end of the major armed conflicts between the Sioux and the U.S. government.
It’s also important to note that not all Sioux people were forced onto reservations. Some fled to Canada to avoid U.S. government control, and many others chose to live off-reservation. Today, approximately half of all Sioux people live off-reservation, maintaining their cultural heritage while adapting to modern life.
Therefore, in the 1700s, the Blackfoot Sioux were transitioning from a woodland culture to a Plains culture, migrating westward onto the Great Plains. By the 1800s, they were primarily located in the Black Hills region and the surrounding plains, before being forced onto the Standing Rock Reservation in the late 1800s. While the Standing Rock Reservation remains their official home, their history is one of migration, adaptation, and resilience in the face of immense challenges. The history of the Blackfoot Sioux is complex, requiring careful distinction from the Blackfeet Confederacy and an understanding of the broader Sioux Nation’s movements and divisions.