Lakota Nation
By Judy Koutsky
The historic lands and cultural heritage of the Lakota people on the Cheyenne River, Pine Ridge, and Rosebud Reservations include communities spread across grasslands and prairies, along rivers and rolling hills, and amid vistas with amazing beauty. Visitors can witness the buffalo, elk, horses, eagles, and other plant and animal life common to the area. Learn first-hand about the experiences of people who have called the Lakota Nation their home for many generations.
Lakota Nation
South Dakota's three largest reservations--Cheyenne River, Pine Ridge, and Rosebud-- are part of the Lakota Nation. Each of the reservations is approximately the size of the state of Connecticut. Lakota (pronounced in some dialects as Dakota or Nakota), means "friend" or "ally" in the Lakota language. The Lakota Nation is the conglomeration of seven bands, known as the Oceti Sakowin, or the Seven Council Fires. Four of the bands make up the Cheyenne River Reservation. They are: Mnicoujou-Plants by the Water, Oo'henumpa-Two Kettle, Itazipco-No Bows, and Sihasapa-Blackfoot. The Oglala-Scatters Their Own make up the Pine Ridge Reservation. The Sicangu-Burnt Thighs make up the Rosebud Reservation. And the Hunkpapa-Camps at the Entrance make up the Standing Rock Reservation.
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