Buffalo Nation of the Plains
The Lakota (who call themselves Lakȟóta, meaning "The People") are one of three divisions of the Great Sioux Nation, alongside the Dakota and Nakota peoples. They are the westernmost and largest group, historically ranging across the Northern Great Plains. The Lakota developed a sophisticated nomadic culture centered on buffalo hunting, moving seasonally across vast territories in portable tipis. Known for legendary leaders like Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and Red Cloud, the Lakota fiercely resisted American expansion, achieving notable victories including the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876).
Mitakuye Oyasin - All My Relations
The Lakota concept of 'mitakuye oyasin' (all my relations) extends kinship beyond humans to include animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and all of creation. This worldview recognizes the interconnectedness of all life and remains fundamental to Lakota spirituality and environmental ethics. When Lakota people pray, they often conclude with 'mitakuye oyasin,' acknowledging their relationship with everything in the universe!
Traditional Lakota society was organized into seven bands (Očhéthi Šakówiŋ—Seven Council Fires): Oglala, Sicangu (Brulé), Hunkpapa, Miniconjou, Sihasapa, Oohenumpa, and Itazipco. Leadership was earned through demonstrated wisdom and generosity rather than inherited. The buffalo (tatanka) held sacred status, providing food, clothing, shelter, tools, and spiritual meaning. Lakota spirituality recognizes Wakan Tanka (the Great Mystery/Great Spirit) and emphasizes living in balance with all relations.
The Black Hills Stand: In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the U.S. had illegally taken the Black Hills and awarded compensation, but Lakota nations have refused payment, demanding land return instead. The uncollected judgment now exceeds $1.3 billion, yet Lakota maintain 'The Black Hills are not for sale.' This represents one of the longest-standing land rights disputes in American history.
This page honors the Lakota people—legendary warriors, spiritual leaders, and defenders of Paha Sapa (the sacred Black Hills). From Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse to contemporary activists, the Lakota continue fighting for sovereignty and sacred lands.
Image Gallery
Explore visual documentation of culture, traditions, and daily life through these carefully curated images from Wikimedia Commons.
Traditional Lakota tipi encampment. These portable dwellings allowed Lakota to follow buffalo herds across the vast Great Plains
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Sitting Bull (Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake), legendary Hunkpapa Lakota leader who united tribes and led resistance against U.S. expansion
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Buffalo (tatanka) held sacred status for Lakota people, providing food, shelter, clothing, tools, and spiritual meaning
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Intricate Lakota beadwork combining geometric and naturalistic designs, decorating moccasins, clothing, and ceremonial objects
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Black Hills (Paha Sapa), sacred to Lakota people and illegally taken despite treaties. Lakota refuse compensation, demanding land return
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Lakota star quilt, central to ceremonial life and gifted at important occasions including namings, weddings, and memorials
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)Image Gallery
Explore visual documentation of culture, traditions, and daily life through these carefully curated images from Wikimedia Commons.
Traditional Lakota tipi encampment. These portable dwellings allowed Lakota to follow buffalo herds across the vast Great Plains
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Sitting Bull (Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake), legendary Hunkpapa Lakota leader who united tribes and led resistance against U.S. expansion
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Buffalo (tatanka) held sacred status for Lakota people, providing food, shelter, clothing, tools, and spiritual meaning
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Intricate Lakota beadwork combining geometric and naturalistic designs, decorating moccasins, clothing, and ceremonial objects
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Black Hills (Paha Sapa), sacred to Lakota people and illegally taken despite treaties. Lakota refuse compensation, demanding land return
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Lakota star quilt, central to ceremonial life and gifted at important occasions including namings, weddings, and memorials
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)Image Gallery
Explore visual documentation of culture, traditions, and daily life through these carefully curated images from Wikimedia Commons.
Traditional Lakota tipi encampment. These portable dwellings allowed Lakota to follow buffalo herds across the vast Great Plains
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Sitting Bull (Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake), legendary Hunkpapa Lakota leader who united tribes and led resistance against U.S. expansion
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Buffalo (tatanka) held sacred status for Lakota people, providing food, shelter, clothing, tools, and spiritual meaning
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Intricate Lakota beadwork combining geometric and naturalistic designs, decorating moccasins, clothing, and ceremonial objects
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Black Hills (Paha Sapa), sacred to Lakota people and illegally taken despite treaties. Lakota refuse compensation, demanding land return
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Lakota star quilt, central to ceremonial life and gifted at important occasions including namings, weddings, and memorials
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)Image Gallery
Explore visual documentation of culture, traditions, and daily life through these carefully curated images from Wikimedia Commons.
Traditional Lakota tipi encampment. These portable dwellings allowed Lakota to follow buffalo herds across the vast Great Plains
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Sitting Bull (Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake), legendary Hunkpapa Lakota leader who united tribes and led resistance against U.S. expansion
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Buffalo (tatanka) held sacred status for Lakota people, providing food, shelter, clothing, tools, and spiritual meaning
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Intricate Lakota beadwork combining geometric and naturalistic designs, decorating moccasins, clothing, and ceremonial objects
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Black Hills (Paha Sapa), sacred to Lakota people and illegally taken despite treaties. Lakota refuse compensation, demanding land return
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Lakota star quilt, central to ceremonial life and gifted at important occasions including namings, weddings, and memorials
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)Image Gallery
Explore visual documentation of culture, traditions, and daily life through these carefully curated images from Wikimedia Commons.
Traditional Lakota tipi encampment. These portable dwellings allowed Lakota to follow buffalo herds across the vast Great Plains
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Sitting Bull (Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake), legendary Hunkpapa Lakota leader who united tribes and led resistance against U.S. expansion
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Buffalo (tatanka) held sacred status for Lakota people, providing food, shelter, clothing, tools, and spiritual meaning
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Intricate Lakota beadwork combining geometric and naturalistic designs, decorating moccasins, clothing, and ceremonial objects
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Black Hills (Paha Sapa), sacred to Lakota people and illegally taken despite treaties. Lakota refuse compensation, demanding land return
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Lakota star quilt, central to ceremonial life and gifted at important occasions including namings, weddings, and memorials
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)