What Role Did North American Culture Play In Lakota Culture

According to Remington (2002), “North America’s native peoples are often relegated to history viewed primarily as remnant of another era. Efforts to characterize Native American typically result in idealized portrayals of spiritualists communing with nature or bigoted descriptions of savages’ incapable of living in civilized society” (p.6). Sioux tribe, called themselves Lakota, Dakota and Nakota, which means the same thing in Sioux dialects: “allies”. The Indians lost the fight for their land and ways of life, though not for lack of bravery, skill or a sense of purpose. Lack of unity also was a huge factor in their defeat. To better understand the Lakota culture, it’s important to learn about their history, customs, beliefs and traditions.
Each Sioux had a role based on gender and age, they were very autonomous individuals (Remington, 2002). As mentioned previously, everyone had a role, for example men would assume the role of warrior and hunter as well as politician and policeman. The elderly women, helped to care for children, they also helped with sewing, cooking, and cleaning. The Elderly men also played a significant role in government, serving as mentors and advisors to the young men. The role of Children was equal important because even the youngest helped pick berries and carry water. At a very young age, girls began helping they mothers with daily chores. (Remington,
The presence of white man affected the Lakota (Sioux) forever. Native American were very impressed with the White European technology (guns) and the white man wanted the furs, that is how the trade for goods started (Remington, 2002). This created a negative effect within the Lakota (community) because Sioux started killing for trade. Another negative effect which is very important to mention is that Sioux were not used to alcohol consumption and once introduced many created an alcohol dependency. This addiction affected their community drastically, murder became common (Remington,