In the 1700’s, the Dakota were divided into seven closely related tribes. The tribes named themselves, or each other, for the region they inhabited or after a peculiar characteristic. These tribes then joined in an alliance of the Seven Council Fires for their mutual protection. The Seven Council Fires are listed in bold.
These four bands were called collectively Isanties (Santees), meaning people who use knives, or people who once lived on Knife Lake or the Dakotas.
Mdewakantons (People of Spirit Lake). Lived on the Mississippi River near St. Paul, Minnesota
Wakpekutes (Leaf Shooters). Lived on Minnesota River in vicinity of Mankato, Minnesota.
Wahpetons (People of the Leaves). Lived on upper Minnesota near Lac qui Parle.
Sissetons (People of the Swamp). Lived in the vicinity of Big Stone Lake.
These two bands were called the Nakotas.
Yanktons (People at the End, referring to the position they occupied in the great tribal councils). Lived on the Missouri River near Yankton.
Yantonaise (People Near the End). Lived on the upper James River from Redfield, South Dakota to Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. The Assiniboines are an offshoot of this band.
Tetons (People of the Prairie) or the Lakotas. This division includes all of the Sioux living west of the Missouri River.
Uncpapas (People Who Camp by Themselves).
Sihasapas (Blackfeet).
Itazipchos (People Without Bows; French, Sans Arc).
Minneconjous (People Who Plant by the Water). They lived between the Black Hills and the Platte River.
Oglalas. They lived along the Niobrara River.
Sichanques (Burnt Thighs; French, Brules). They lived on the White River.
Oohenonpaas (Two Kettles, from circumstance that at one time two kettles of meat saved the band from starving). Lived near Fort Pierre.
