The Lakota People

Native American · Great Plains · culture · history

Great Plains homeland. The Lakota people have lived in what is now North and South Dakota for many generations. Their lands stretch across the Great Plains, one of North America's biggest and most important regions.

Their own language. The Lakota speak Lakȟótiyapi, a language that belongs to the Siouan language family. It is the westernmost of three closely related Sioux languages, and learning it helps keep their culture alive.

Part of the Sioux. The Lakota are one of three main groups of the Sioux people, along with the Eastern Dakota and Western Dakota. Together, these groups share deep roots and connections to each other.

Living culture today. The Lakota continue to practice their traditions, ceremonies, and ways of life on their reservations in the Dakotas. Their culture includes powerful stories, music, art, and spiritual practices that have been passed down for centuries.