Indian Peoples of the Great Plains

Misconceptions/Truths Not all speak the same language or have the same traditions Tribes were not always unified Most did believe land belonged to no one (communal) Reservation lands were continually taken away by the government “We did not ask you white men to come here. The Great Spirit gave us this country as a home. You had yours. We did not interfere with you… But you have come here; you are taking my land from me… You say, why do you not become civilized? We do not want your civilization!” ~ Chief Crazy Horse

The Plains Indians Example tribes: Arikara, Lakota, Apache Lived for centuries on the Plains and used the buffalo to help their tribes survive Many of the tribes had skilled artists, complex religions, and different languages Agriculture was their main source of food Used for hunting, raiding, and moving villages Way of life changed in the 1600’s when horses were introduced

Following the Buffalo Once horses were acquired, tribes started living in tepees – tents made by stretching buffalo skins on tall poles Tepees were carried on travois – sled pulled by a dog or horse Plains Indians migrated by the movement of the buffalo (nomadic) Buffalo Hunting Options Shout and wave robes Drive buffalo into a corral (enclosure)

Uses of the Buffalo Buffalo was the main protein of their diet Dried meat on racks called jerky Clothing Robes, moccasins Shelter Tepee covers Tradition and Ceremony Summer gatherings had councils Sun Dance – hundreds attended the 4 day ceremony to thank the Great Spirit for blessings and hunts and for good fortune next year

The Roles of Women and Men Women Life in the Home – gathered food, made meals, made tepees, cared for children, passed along traditions, made crafts like blankets and baskets Men Hunted, protected the tribe, supervised spiritual ceremonies, waged war