Livelihood
The Deer and Buffalo Hunts – Find out what the East Santee Dakota did during hunting season. Do you think they hunted the same animals all year round?
Beliefs
Afterlife – The Dakota Sioux believed in an afterlife. What is life like after death?
Transportation
Buffalo Pony – A “buffalo pony,” sometimes called a “war pony,” was the most prized possession among the Teton Sioux. Learn what made these horses special.
Skills
- Becoming a Buffalo Hunter in Native American Culture – How did you learn to hunt buffalo? How old did you have to be? Video features Library of Congress photos as primary resources.
- Becoming a Buffalo Hunter – Same audio as the video, Becoming a Buffalo Hunter in Native American Culture, but featuring animation by 7 Generation Games. These two videos together are great for lessons on history reference sources.
Dakota Tracking Ability – You may think of the Dakota as living in tribes, but individual tribal members or families often went hunting or to visit relatives. So, how did they track down their tribe again?
Customs
Counting Coup – What does it mean to count coup? What’s a coup stick? Why was counting coup considered an act of bravery?
Growing Up
Education of Dakota Boys – Boys were expected to learn to hunt, to protect the buffalo herd and their tribe.
Earning an Eagle Feather – Eagle feathers were earned through acts of bravery or generosity. If you ever wondered why Native Americans might be offended by seeing someone wearing a bonnet of eagle feathers on Halloween, watch this video.
Hunting
Eagle Pits – Dead animals were used as bait for eagle traps. Sometimes, though, the hunter caught more than he expected.
Importance of Tobacco to Native American Tribes – Many Native American tribes consider tobacco to be sacred and burn tobacco when they pray.
Story of the Lost Wife – An old legend of a woman who left her abusive husband for another tribe…of wolves? What happened next?
Winter Time – How did the Dakota keep warm in the winter? What did they do all winter?
Pre-Colonial History Videos
Intro to Pre-Colonial History – This 7 Generation Games video gives a general overview and introduction to the number and diversity of Native American tribes before European contact.