LAKOTA

I've lived in the Lakota School District for over 40 years.  Of course, I knew that Lakota referred to a tribe of Native Americans we call Indians.  I've read a little, recently, and want to share it.

The Lakota tribe is part of the Great Sioux Nation.  At one time, there may have been seven tribes which we called Sioux but now they are only the Lakota and Dakota.  These two tribes are separated by their language - their dialect of the Sioux language.

Lakota are also called Tetons Sioux meaning dwellers on the prairie.  There are seven sub-tribes of the Lakota.  These sub-tribes were divided between agriculturists, hunters and warriors.  Here are some notable Lakota chiefs:  Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.  These two, much to Col. Custer's dismay, were the winners at Little Bighorn. 

The Lakota may have originated in the Ohio Valley and some could have been mound builders.  With the coming of European settlers, the tribe moved westward and then to the north.  Most Lakota tribe members now live in the Dakotas, Iowa and Nebraska. 

The Lakota people have a legend that each Spring the Thunder Beings return bringing good weather, birds, hibernating animals and needed rain.  The most prominent of these beings is the Thunder Bird.  This huge creature with a broad wing span and sharp claws is a hunter and a protector. 

Thunderbirds!