Oglala

Oglala, or Oglala Lakota, is a band of the Lakota people, one of the divisions of the Teton Sioux. The contemporary political entity is the Oglala Sioux Tribe, which administers the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota. The name Oglala is of Lakota origin; its exact meaning is debated, but it is commonly associated with scattering.

Historically, the Oglala occupied the northern Great Plains and the Black Hills. They allied with other Lakota to resist encroachment, playing a prominent role in Red Cloud’s War (1866–1868) and the Great Sioux War of 1876–77 following the opening of the Black Hills to settlement. After military defeats and treaty pressures, many Oglala were confined to reservations, with the Wounded Knee Massacre occurring on their lands in 1890.

Language and culture: The Oglala speak Lakota, a dialect of the Sioux language family. They traditionally depended on the buffalo economy, nomadic hunting, and warfare alongside other Lakota bands. Culturally, they practice Lakota ceremonies such as the Sun Dance and vision quests, with social organization based on kinship and bands.

Today: The Oglala Sioux Tribe governs the Pine Ridge Reservation, addressing contemporary issues such as economic development, health, and education while sustaining Lakota language and cultural traditions through revitalization efforts. Notable historical figures associated with the Oglala include Red Cloud and Crazy Horse.