Oceti

Oceti is a term that traditionally refers to the Seven Council Fires of the Great Sioux Nation. This historical confederacy encompassed several prominent Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota bands. The concept of the Seven Council Fires represents a unified political and social structure that guided the collective destiny of these Indigenous peoples. While often used interchangeably with the term "Sioux," Oceti specifically emphasizes the unity and shared governance of these distinct but related tribes. Each "fire" or band maintained its own autonomy but adhered to a common set of principles and alliances. The historical significance of Oceti lies in its role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the Northern Plains of North America. Understanding Oceti provides insight into the complex social organization and intertribal relations of the Great Sioux Nation.