Supporting Information

The term Sioux is a shortening of Nadouessioux, which the French called them. That name was a French modification of Natowessiwak (literally meaning little snakes) which is what the Ojibwa (Algonquian) people called the people to the SW.

They call themselves the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires). The 7 councils (nations) fall into 3 groups by language: Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota.

Dakota or Santee or Eastern Dakota have 4 nations

            Mdewakanton, The Spirit Lake People,         

            Wahpekute, The Shooters Among the Leaves People

            Wahpeton,  The People Dwelling Among the Leaves

            Sisseton, People of the Fish Village(s)

Nakota or Western Dakota have 2 nations

            Yankton,  Dwellers at the End

            Yanktonai,  Little Dwellers at the End

Lakota  have 1 nation

             Tetonwan,  Dwellers on the Plains

The Tetonwan are further divided into 7 groups

                        O'Henumpa

                        Sihasapa

                        Itazipco

                        Oglala

                        Sicangu

                        Hunkpapa

                        Mniconjou