The Lakota people are a language dialect of the greater Oceti Sakowin (or great Sioux tribe).
Have you heard of the Sioux Indians of the American plains? They are not actually Sioux, although the United States government recognizes them as such; that was the name given to them by French explorers. Instead, the first peoples of the North American (Turtle Island) plains are organized as the Oceti Sakowin (o-chet-e shak-o-ween), or seven council fires. The Oceti Sakowin organized themselves in seven divisions per a legend involving the big dipper and its seven stars. Of these seven divisions, 4 speak the Dakota language dialect, 2 speak the Nakota dialect, and just 1 speaks the Lakota dialect. However, branching off of the 1 Lakota-speaking division are seven additional tribal divisions, or Oyates, as shown below.
7 Council Fires
Tintantonwan — Plains Dwellers
Ihanktonwan — End Dwellers
Ihantonwanna — Junior End Dwellers
Mdewakantonwan — Spirit Lake Dwellers
Wahpekute — Hunters of the Forest
Wahpetonwan — Forest Dwellers
Sisitonwan — Boggy Ground Dwellers
7 Lakota Oyatés
Sicangu — Burnt thigh
Oglala — Scatter their own
Hunkpapa — Camp at the horn
Mnikowuju — Planters near the water
Sihasapa — Black sole foot
Oohenunpa — Two kettle
Itazipco — No bows
Legend of the Big Dipper and the Oceti Sakowin
While hunting, a leader suddenly fell and died. Seven followers (representing the seven stars) took the body home. During the burial, the widow, with her two children behind her, followed four people holding the stretcher. These seven became the forerunners of the Oceti Sakowin.
