Sioux Indians
Thirty thousand years ago, many tribes of what were eventually to become Native Americans crossed from Asia to the Americas, chasing herds of bison as the animals migrated. Among these immigrants, one collection of them came to be known as the Sioux Indians; they were named this by a rival tribe, the Chippewa, the word Sioux meaning "Little Snake." The Sioux are known to commonly have black, straight hair, along with other physical features that may genealogically connect them with the Japanese and Chinese.
The Sioux, like many other tribes of Native American, were a nomadic culture. This was because their primary meat source continued to be buffalo, and following the migrating buffalo herds stayed their way of life for thousands of years. Buffalo were also their source for many supplies, such as using their horns to make tools and their skin for clothing and shelter, along with storing their excess meat for the winter months.
American expansion eventually lead to the creation of roads through Sioux territory, stemming the decision by their leader, Red Cloud, to attack in an attempt to drive out the white men, as well as burn down their structures. A treaty was signed by the United States federal government that lead to the creation of the Great Sioux Reservation, however there were rumors spreading that gold was found on the reservation land. Many miners rushed in, leading to the worried Sioux to join with the Cheyenne tribe, who together were ruled by Sitting Bull.
White settlers began to refuse to trade with the Sioux if they wouldn't change their ways to become more civilized, eventually leading to an uprising. American troops were sent in, lead by General George Custer, however his major assault to rout the Native American forces was quashed very quickly in the famous Custer's Last Stand. The United States Army continued to attack, however the tribes had split up after their one great victory and were beaten over time, culminating in the Battle at Wounded Knee.
In modern times, reservations in South Dakota serve as homes for over 30,000 Sioux, along with other, smaller reservations in nearby states. Their housing is generally considered substandard, some without hot water or electrical service. A council lead by elected officials governs these Native Americans, who continually attempt to preserve the ways passed down by their ancestors.
