Of all the Natives of the Plains, the Lakota ( Sioux ) probably best typified the dramatic character of these nomadic tepee dwellers.

The Lakota ( Sioux ) commanded a territory which included the western half of North Dakota bordering the Missouri River, as well as parts of Nebraska and eastern Wyoming.

Warfare, was a brilliant path to succes. For the Lakota ( Sioux ) it was carried out for conquest, defense and stealing horses. It became a way of life.

The Lakota ( Sioux ) as early as 1776 drove out the Kiowa and took the Black Hills for themselves.
They call themselves Dakota, Nakota, or Lakota, according to dialect, meaning "allies".

The Lakota ( Teton ) have 7 tribes :
Oglala
Brule (Sighangus)
Hunkpapa
Miniconjous
Blackfeet ( Sihgusapas )( not to be confused with the Blackfoot tribe )
Sans Arcs ( Itazipchos )
Two Kettle ( Oohenonpas )

The Dakota with 4 tribes :
Mdewakantonwon
Wahpeton
Wahpekute
Sisseton

The Nakota with 3 tribes :
Yankton
Upper Yanktonai
Lower Yanktonai