The Sioux refers to a northern Plains group of Indians often identified by their material culture such as tepees, war bonnets, buffalo hunting and an equestrian lifestyle. The Sioux called themselves different names: "Dakota" or "Lakota," terms that mean "friend" or "allies." There are three main sub-groups that make up the Sioux: the Santee, Yankton and Teton. The Sioux were actually a complex network of bands or tribes that spread along the upper regions of the Mississippi, across the prairies of Minnesota and even as far as Saskatchewan.

The term, "Sioux" is, in fact, a misnomer deriving from the Ojibwa name for the Dakota. When French Explorers entered what is present day Minnesota, they encountered the Ojibwa, who were the enemies of the Dakota people. The explorer asked for the name of those who lived south of them and they replied "nadouess-iw ," which meant snake, adder or enemy. The name was shortened by the French to "Scoiux," and then finally "Sioux."

James Thompson