Description
The Lakota people were a founding group of the seven council fires which consisted of seven tribal bands; four Dakota bands (Mdewakanton, Wahpekute, Wahpeton, Sisseton), two Nakota bands (Yankton, Yanktonai) and a Lakota band (Teton). The Lakota are a Native American people. Also known as the Teton Sioux, they are one of the three prominent subcultures of the Sioux people, with the Eastern Dakota (Santee) and Western Dakota (Wichíyena). Their current lands are in North and South Dakota. Early Lakota history is recorded in their winter counts, pictorial calendars painted on hides, or later recorded on paper. The "Battiste Good winter count" records Lakota history to 900 CE when White Buffalo Calf Woman gave the Lakota people the White Buffalo Calf Pipe.
Language
They speak the Lakota language, the westernmost of three closely related languages that belong to the Siouan language family.
Culture
Northern Plains Indian culture is steeped in traditions that reflect the power and beauty of their people and tell the story of their relationship to all of creation. They practice a culture that is rich in values and traditions. Their way of life is very spiritual and marked by a deep respect for nature. They were masters of horseback riding and dominated the Great Plains region for centuries, hunting bison and living a nomadic life. By 1707, the Lakota people were already familiar with horses and guns. They were responsible for constructing the tipi, which also required hauling the heavy posts via a traverse when the tribe decided to move. The Lakota women practiced porcupine quillwork and beadwork. Much of the quill and beadwork adorns regalia for powwows and ceremonial items.