Indian Peoples of the Great Plains

1. Indian Peoples of the Great Plains Following the Buffalo Roles of Women and Men

2. Misconceptions/Truths • Not all speak the same language or have the same traditions • Not all live on reservations • 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”

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

4. 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 • Buffalo Hunting Options • Shout and wave robes • Drive buffalo into a corral (enclosure)

5. 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

6. 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