Frequently considered as one Native American tribe, the Sioux were and are still an association of several Siouan groups, the Dakota, the Lakota, and the Nakota. The Sioux name was originated from the Ojibwa word for them, which was translated into French as "Nadouessioux" ("Adders" or "enemies"). Hence, the name was shortened to Sioux, which was later conveyed into the English language.

The history and aura of the culture are known world-wide, the countless incidents that involved them unwillingly and willingly incurred controversial and defining outcomes in U.S. and Native American history, many of these events have and still to this day encompass much intrigue and unresolved issues.   

For centuries, the Siouan people followed the herds of the buffalo (tatanka). Tatanka provided all the necessities of food and shelter which was vital to their survival. Prayers of gratitude and foregiveness were said before and after the hunt to Grandfather and to tatanka. Tatanka was and still is regarded as the symbol of life.

The religion was and still is centered on Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit or Grandfather. It consists of beliefs that everything has its own spirit and that it could embody itself in distinctive ways. To live in harmony with all beings is the intended purpose in everyday life. Prayers to the Great Spirit or Grandfather were and are said on a daily basis.

Mother Earth and her abundance was and still is well-respected and considered sacred. All living things had and have important roles in their daily life and ceremonies. The buffalo, the wolf, the eagle, and the bear were very significant in their culture as well as other creatures.

Beliefs of the Siouan culture are that in the spiritual and physical world, animals are one that is with you for life. Every animal represents characteristics and important meanings in the culture. Many tribe members were named after animals and were sometimes later identified with different ones throughout their lifetime.

 

Symbolically, the number four and the circle are very important in the Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota culture, as well in almost every Native American culture; The Four Elements: earth, air, fire, and water, The Four Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, and The Four Directions: north, south, east, and west. The journey of life and death was and still is considered as a circular process, even the foundation of the homes (tipis) of past generations were configured and built in a circular formation.

The Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota were lead by great chiefs who had proven their worth as hunters, warriors, and leaders. They demonstrated  wisdom, devotion, and strength during times of peace and in times of war. Some of the great chiefs included Crazy Horse, Red Cloud and Sitting Bull.

"A very great vision is needed and the man who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky" - Crazy Horse

  ~ Wisdom ~

There was a time when the land was sacred, 
and the ancient ones were as one with it.
A time when only the children of the Great Spirit
were here to light their fires in these places with no boundaries...
In that time, when there were only simple ways,
I saw with my heart the conflicts to come,
and whether it was to be for good or bad,
what was certain was that there would be change.

-The Great Spirit-

Instructions for Living - Lakota

Friend do it this way - that is,
whatever you do in life,
do the very best you can
with both your heart and mind.

And if you do it that way,
the Power Of The Universe
will come to your assistance,
if your heart and mind are in Unity.

When one sits in the Hoop Of The People,
one must be responsible because
All of Creation is related.
And the hurt of one is the hurt of all.
And the honor of one is the honor of all.
And whatever we do effects everything in the universe.

If you do it that way - that is,
if you truly join your heart and mind
as One - whatever you ask for,
that's the Way It's Going To Be.

- Spoken wisdom by White Buffalo Calf Woman -

 

~ Quotes ~

With all things and in all things, we are relatives. - Oglala Sioux

 

To touch the earth is to have harmony with nature. - Oglala Sioux

Everything the power does, it does in a circle. - Lakota

When a man moves away from nature his heart becomes hard. - Lakota

A people without a history is like the wind over buffalo grass. - Oglala Sioux

Knowledge is rooted in all things -- the world is a library. - Lakota

We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. - Dakota

The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives. - Sioux

If you continue to contaminate your home, you will eventually suffocate in your own waste. - Lakota

 

~ Native Ten Commandments ~

1) Treat the Earth and all that dwell therein with respect.

 

2) Remain close to the Great Spirit

 

3) Show great respect for your fellow beings

 

4) Work together for the benefit of all Mankind

 

5) Give assistance and kindness wherever needed

 

6) Do what you know to be right

 

7) Look after the well-being of Mind and Body

 

8) Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater Good

 

9) Be truthful and honest at all times

 

10) Take full responsibility for your actions