This Indian tribe located north of Mexico, are virtually all within the United States and up to a comparatively recent period kept a close connection among the various Sioux Bands. The name Sioux (pronounced "Su") is an abbreviation of the French spelling of the name by which they were anciently known to their Eastern Algonquian neighbors and enemies. The Sioux also call themselves Dakota, Nakota, or Lakota, according to the dialect meaning, it means "allies." From the forms Dakota, Lakota, and Sioux are derived numerous place-names within the ancient area, including those of two great Siouan stock to which they have given name and of which they themselves now constitute three-fourths of the
ancient area. Other important tribes are the Assiniboin, Crow, Hidatsa, or Minitari, Mandan, Winnebago, Iowa, Omaha, Ponca, Oto, Missouri, Kaw,Osage, and Quapaw.  All of these important tribes live west of the Mississippi, with the exception of the Winnebago tribe. Together with a number of tribes formerly occupying territories in Mississippi and the central regions of the Carolinas and Virginia, all now virtually extinct, excepting a handful of Catawba in South Carolina. Traditionary evidence indicates that this eastern region as being the original home of the stock, although the period and causes of the westward migration remain a matter of concern and questioning.  When and why the Sioux moved away from their original home in the East, or by which route they reached the Upper Mississippi country are still unknown to this day, the Sioux will remain a key part in our lives.
    When first noticed in history, about 1650, they centered around Mille Lac and Leech Lake, towards the head of the Mississippi, in central Minnesota. From this position they were gradually driven by the pressure from the east of the advancing Ojibwa who were earlier obtaining firearms, until nearly the whole nation had moved to the Minnesota and Upper Red River, in turn driving before them the Cheyenne, Omaha, and other tribes.  The Sioux language is very flexible, and possesses a more abundant literature than that of any other tribe within the United States, with the exception of the Cherokee. By means of an alphabet system devised by the early Presbyterian Missionaries, nearly all of the men can read and write their own language.
    There were several Indians who left a historic mark within our nation, and within the Sioux band. These would include the following, American Horse who was labeled as one of the," wittiest and shrewdest of the Sioux chiefs." There is also Black Elk who is the "Holy Man," of the Sioux. Crazy Horse, who was well known, also part of the Sioux band was very well known. Crazy Horse was physically perfect, an Apollo in symmetry, he was very modest and courteous. Another would be Chief Gall, was known to have been one of the most aggressive leaders of the Sioux nation in their last stand for freedom. There are also many others, Little Wolf. As I recall, I did a previous report on Chief Joseph, he is personally the greatest man who ever lived, he went to all extremes to help his people Ohiyesa, was not very well known, but helped contribute to the Sioux nation! Finally, Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, Spotted Tail.  Even though a few of these Indian chiefs, perhaps, may not have been well-known, we do know that each and everyone of them contributed in some way to our society, and for future generations also!