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People of the Bison

People of the Bison

People of the Bison: The Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota people have long made this region of the country home. The bison (buffalo) played a major role in their lives.

From the buffalo, they got hides for their teepees, bones for tools, meat for food, and even spirits for their souls. As the bison migrated in the great circle of life, so did the people. They were, after all, people of the bison.

Related Resources

The resources include an episode guide, additional videos, activities, and more below.

YouTube Playlist with a variety episode related topics including Spirit of the Dance: Wacipi.
Learn about Native American land stewardship in South Dakota, and raise money for your local food pantry.
A winter count is a pictographic record of historical/memorable events for a tiospaye (community).
The “Indian Head Nickel” or “Buffalo Nickel,” was minted between 1913 and 1938. Only a few million were made.
Rosebud's Wolakota Project is a forty square mile ranch owned being converted to a buffalo range. 
Quillwork was used to decorate shirts, moccasins, and jewelry.

Of over 18,000 BIA photographs, nearly 13,000 of the photographs were taken on SD reservations.
The painted bison robe was created by the Yanktonai Sioux artist Herman Red Elk.
We provide a rich array of educational content.
Living proof that one person with an idea – and the courage to act – can inspire a monumental change.

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SDPB's educational resources and services,

contact Steven Rokusek at [email protected]

(605)222-3422

(E&O Staff)

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Additional Resources