The Sioux Indians And The Sioux Tribe Of Native Americans

The Sioux Indians are a tribe of Native Americans that have endured persecution, segregation, and isolation. Though they suffered greatly, they stuck together and fought for their beliefs and religion. They are a diverse people ranging from warriors to holy men to farmers. The Sioux were a culturally rich and kindhearted people who were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in.

Jess Blumberg, a writer and associate web producer at Smithsonian Magazine stated that the name Sioux means “little snakes” (Blumberg). This name is believed to have come from a neighboring Native American tribe that did not look to highly upon the Sioux. The Sioux way of life revolved around the Wakan Tanka, or “Great Spirit”. This Spirit included all that was majestic, sacred, or powerful. They believed that all living things had spirits, and would often thank an animal for sacrificing its life after killing it (Blumberg).

There were six main sub-tribes of Sioux Indians namely the Mdewakanton, Sisseton, Teton, Wahpekute, Yankton, and the Yanktonai tribe. The Sioux were hunters, farmers, and gatherers. Their main crops included corn, berries, and fruit, while their meat diet consisted of antelope, elk, turkey, and deer. After horses became available to the Sioux in the 16th century, buffalo became their main source of food as well as clothing.They were considered nomads because they never stayed in one place for an extended period of time. Most of the time, the Sioux relocations were solely due to the changing buffalo migration pattern. The teepees (cone shaped tents made from buffalo hides) were designed so that they could be pitched and disassembled easily for fast transportation. John Garraty, an American historian and biographer once described...

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...te of the 225 troops in the Seventh Cavalry (Ambrose).

Sitting Bull had a vision that the Sioux would win the battle at Little Big Horn, which eventually came true. General Custer was defeated, but this only prompted the U.S. government to send more troops. John Dunbar, a character in the film Dances with Wolves, responded to the question “How many men are coming?” by stating, “like the stars” (Dances...). Eventually in 1876, Sitting Bull and his followers were forced into Canada. In 1881, Sitting Bull returned to the US and surrendered (Ambrose).

In conclusion, the Sioux expressed their belief to never give up even when they knew that there there was little to no hope of victory. The Sioux were grateful to have leaders as wise and courageous as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Sometimes fighting for your freedom is worth the ultimate sacrifice.