A People Deeply Connected to the Land

Long before South Dakota became a state in 1889, the Great Plains were home to the Lakota Sioux — a nation whose culture, spirituality, and way of life were inseparable from the landscape. Understanding Lakota history is essential to understanding South Dakota itself, and it remains relevant to the lives of tens of thousands of people living in the state today.

Who Are the Lakota?

The Lakota are one of three major divisions of the Sioux Nation, alongside the Dakota and Nakota. The Lakota historically occupied the northern Great Plains and were known as skilled horsemen and hunters who followed the vast bison herds that once covered the region. Their society was organized around bands, with deep traditions of oral history, ceremony, and community.

Key Lakota bands include the Oglala, Sicangu (Brulé), Hunkpapa, Miniconjou, and others — each with their own distinct leadership and territorial areas.

Treaties, Broken Promises, and the Reservation Era

The relationship between the Lakota and the United States government was defined by a series of treaties — most notably the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, which recognized Lakota sovereignty over a vast territory including the Black Hills (Paha Sapa). When gold was discovered in the Black Hills in 1874, the treaty was effectively abandoned as the U.S. government sought to acquire the land.

The subsequent wars, including the famous Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, and the tragic Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, mark some of the most painful chapters in American history. The Lakota were ultimately confined to a series of reservations that remain their homelands today.

Reservations in South Dakota Today

South Dakota is home to nine federally recognized tribal nations. The largest reservations include:

  • Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (Oglala Lakota) — one of the largest reservations in the country
  • Rosebud Indian Reservation (Sicangu Lakota)
  • Standing Rock Sioux Reservation (spanning the North/South Dakota border)
  • Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation
  • Crow Creek Sioux Reservation

These communities face ongoing challenges related to economic development, healthcare access, and the preservation of language and culture — while also experiencing a strong cultural resurgence, particularly among younger generations.

Where to Respectfully Learn and Engage

Visitors to South Dakota have meaningful opportunities to learn about Lakota culture through institutions led by tribal members:

  • Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center in Chamberlain offers exhibits on Lakota history and art.
  • Crazy Horse Memorial near Custer is an ongoing mountain carving project honoring the Oglala Lakota leader, operated by a private foundation.
  • Tribal cultural events and powwows are sometimes open to respectful visitors — always confirm attendance protocols in advance.

When visiting, approach with respect, listen more than you speak, and support Native-owned businesses and artisans directly.

Language Preservation Efforts

The Lakota language (Lakȟótiyapi) is experiencing revitalization efforts through immersion schools, university programs, and community initiatives. Organizations like the Lakota Language Consortium have worked to develop learning resources. Supporting these efforts — even as an interested outsider — helps sustain one of North America's most expressive and complex languages.