What are Sioux Indians? (with pictures)

The Sioux Indians are a Native American tribe that originated in the Great Lakes region, but later occupied the American Midwest and south-central Canada. There are seven tribes of Sioux Indians, with some split further into subdivisions. Most of the Sioux speak either the Lakota or Dakota dialect of their native language, as well as English. Most Sioux Indians continue to live on sovereign reservations in the region considered their traditional homeland. In the past, Sioux Indians followed a traditional way of life, but most modern tribe members enjoy modern lifestyles.

The Sioux people are believed to have once occupied the Great Lakes area. They may have been displaced to the plains by other native tribes who were moving west, perhaps displaced themselves by white settlement. On the plains, the Sioux largely followed a traditional, nomadic way of life reliant upon hunting and gathering.

In the past, the Sioux lived in teepees made of buffalo hide. Teepees could usually be erected and dismantled rapidly when the tribe wanted to make or leave camp. The Sioux Indians are believed to have once relied heavily on the buffalo for food, clothing, and shelter.

In traditional Sioux society, women were generally considered the keepers of the home, while men were generally considered warriors and hunters. Men typically provided for and protected the family, while women typically cared for the home, including transporting the teepee when the tribe moved. Both women and men usually participated in many community-oriented activities, such as medicine and storytelling. Traditionally, men usually wore leather leggings, breechcloths and buckskin shirts, while women wore leather dresses. Moccasins were considered the footwear of choice.

Today, seven tribes of Sioux Indians remain, mostly occupying their traditional homeland on Sioux reservations. Each tribe typically lives on its own reservation, and governs itself. Sioux reservations are generally considered sovereign nations, meaning that they aren't under the control of the United States or Canadian governments. The residents of Sioux reservations are generally considered citizens of the United States or Canada, as well as members of the Sioux Nation. Sioux government typically consists of a tribal council, often overseen by a council chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary.

Many modern Sioux Indians speak English as well as their native dialect of the Sioux language. Dialects are often similar enough to allow members of different tribes to speak to one another without confusion. Modern members of the Sioux tribe mostly live modern lifestyles, and pursue modern careers on their tribal reservations.