The Oglala People, 1841-1879: A Political History Book

A political history. In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the United States government, through its agents, superintendents and commissioners, endeavored to reshape Lakota society in accordance with American ideals.

Part of this acculturation included periodic efforts to modify or undermine the political customs of the Lakota people and to erode the decision-making authority of tribal leaders. In the authors words ~ "By synthesizing archival sources, ethno-graphic and historical works and transcribed interviews conducted with Oglala Lakota elders from 1896 to the 1930s, I endeavor in this book to present the various political strategies employed by the Oglala councilors as they struggled to preserve their political customs and autonomy in their ongoing relations with the United States." This study thus examines Lakota concepts of leadership among the several forms of Oglala leadership, such as "ITANCAN" (symbolic bands of fathers or tiyospaye), headmen and warriors.