2009-10 Vacation Guide


Interactive Travel Guide
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2009-10 Winter Guide


Interactive Winter Guide
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Lakota Sioux Culture

Perhaps more than any other group, the men and women of the Lakota Nation (better known as The Sioux) — with their graceful tipis, fast horses, warrior societies and richly feathered regalia — have become the international symbol for all of America's native peoples. Their legacy is embedded into South Dakota History.  The Sioux gained control of the Northern Plains in the 1700's, and developed a unique culture based on the abundant buffalo of that era. The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 (aslo know as the Souix Treaty) allowed the United States and the Lakota Nation meet and guarnteed the Lakota people ownerships and hunting rights of the Black Hills, when they met at Fort Laramie in the Wyoming Territory. The treaty brought an end to Red Cloud's War.

Faces and places in Sioux history are legendary: Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, Spotted Tail, American Horse, High Hawk, Gall, Hump, Rain in the Face. Bloody landscapes like the Little Big Horn River and Wounded Knee Museum. Even a modern novel and movie called "Dances With Wolves."

Today, thousands of Lakota Sioux (about 11%) of South Dakota's citizenry live in the shadows of the Black Hills on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, and in the cities and towns of western South Dakota. The cultural influence of the Sioux extends to South Dakota's citizens, arts, mass media, fashions, jewelry, architecture, interior design, religion and politics. Holding Powwow Celebrations through out the months of the year, make sure to check out the Powwow Schedule to see when everything is happening.  To keep up to date about the Lakota Souix, KILI Radio broadcasts from Porcupine, SD, giving up to date reports of things that are going on, and the Lakota Country Timesoffers a weekly newspaper, applying to the Lakota people. Come, visit, learn.

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