The Plains Indians

• Why is it important to recognize that the plains Indians are not one people?

  Because there were many different tribes with their own customs and traditions
• How did the concept of America differ for the plains Indians?

  They did not see America as a country but as individual tribes with their own identities
• What impact did settlers have on the plains Indians?

  Settlers brought diseases like measles, which the Indians lacked immunity to
• What animal did the plains Indians gain that facilitated their journeys west?

  Horses
• What resource was abundant in the plains that benefited the Indians?

  Buffalo
• What are the main aspects of the culture?

  • Nomadic lifestyle following buffalo
  • Respect for nature and ancestors
  • Belief in Wakantanka (the Great Spirit)
• Why was the buffalo vital for the survival of many Native American tribes?

  It provided food, materials for clothing, and tools
• What could buffalo bones and horns be used for?

  Arrowheads
• How were buffalo hides utilized by the plains Indians?

  They were tanned into strong leather for clothing and teepees
• What was one use of the buffalo's coarse tongue?

  It could be dried and used as a comb
• What were the stomachs, intestines, and bladder of the buffalo used for?

  They were cleaned and dried to make water-carrying bottles and buckets
• What did the plains Indians do with the remains of the buffalo?

  They left something behind as an offering for the Great Spirit
• What were the main uses of the buffalo for the plains Indians?

  • Bones for arrowheads
  • Intestines for buckets and bottles
  • Tanned hides for clothing and teepees
  • Tongue for combs
• Why were buffalo hunting skills important for the plains Indians?

  Hunting buffalo was risky, and they became skilled at it for survival
• What type of home did the plains Indians use?

  Teepees
• What was an important rite of passage for many Indian boys and men?

  Learning to fight and warfare
• What was sometimes taken as a trophy in warfare?

  The scalp of defeated enemies
• How did horses become important in Indian warfare?

  They were traded with Spanish colonists and used in tactics
• What was the practice of counting coup?

  Touching an opponent in killing range and escaping to show bravery
• What did the Lakota believe in?

  Wakantanka (the Great Spirit)
• What was the purpose of the buffalo dance?

  To bring fortune in the buffalo hunt
• How did Europeans often view plains Indian religious practices?

  They viewed them as barbaric and rarely understood them
• What was a common practice surrounding naming in some cultures?

  Young people would seek a vision in the wilderness for their adult name
• What are the key points about the plains Indians and the Lakota tribe?


  • Many different tribes existed across North America
  • The Lakota were nomadic and relied on buffalo
  • Teepees were practical homes for their lifestyle
  • Plains Indians could be warlike
  • Religion centered on Wakantanka and respect for nature
• What are some uses of the buffalo?

  • Food
  • Bones for weaponry
  • Tounge as comb
  • Skin as tipis
• Why are horses important to the Plains Indians?

  • Used as currency
  • Helped them hunt and move locations
  • Help in warfare