The Lakota Nation

The Lakota people, or the people of Standing Rock, are one of the first original Native American tribes who inhabited the North Americas.

Often referred to as the Great Sioux Nation, during their migration to new hunting grounds, the Lakota people became divided into three distinct groups based on their way of life, language and geography; Dakota (Santee, Eastern Dakota), Lakota (Teton, Western Dakota) and Nakota (Yankton, Central Dakota). The meaning of “Dakota” and “Lakota” is “friends” or “allies”.

Ancient Lakota history is depicted in the pictorial calendars famously known as “Winter Counts”, seen on buffalo hides. It is said that around 1730 horses were introduced to the Lakotas by the Cheyenne people, and they called the horses “dogs of power, wonder or mystery”. After this, the Lakotas became fierce buffalo hunters riding on horseback.

At present, the Lakota people inhabit five major reservations in the western Dakota region.

(https://www.lakotamall.com/history-and-ancestry/)

The Lakota are indigenous people of North America, who have a deeply rooted spiritual and cultural tradition based on seven important values:

1.    Generosity (Wacantognaka)
Giving to others without expectation of anything in return, and putting the welfare of the community above personal interests.

2.    Kinship (Ognaka iciyapi)
Family and community are essential to the Lakota. Kinship includes not only biological relations, but also a sense of responsibility towards all members of society.

3.    Respect (Woohitika)
Respect is shown to people, nature and spirituality. This means respecting other opinions and traditions and living with humility.

4.    Compassion (Waunsila)
The ability to empathise with others and treat them with kindness and understanding. 

5.    Fortitude (Cantewasake)
Inner strength, patience and the ability to face challenges with courage and dignity while remaining loyal to one's values.

6.    Wisdom (Woksape)
Wisdom comes with life experience and knowledge, and is especially passed on by elders.

7.    Prayer (Wacekiya)
A central element of the Lakota spiritual life, prayer is a guiding force that connects people with the Great Spirit (Wakan Tanka) and helps them to practice gratitude. 

These values are not just moral guidelines, but are integral for the Lakota people to maintain harmony within their community, nature and the spiritual world. 

Regarded as one of America’s most extreme and dangerous sports, Indian Relay originated in Native American culture and is the ultimate test of courage, speed, and horsemanship. It requires riders to demonstrate warrior spirit and a strong bond with their horses, by leaping onto a moving horse and galloping bareback around the race track, before jumping onto the next horse - all at top speed and with no rider protection. 

Five teams participate with three horses each, and each team consists of one rider, one ‘mugger’ or catcher, and two holders. The teams work together to keep each other as safe as possible and aim to be the first to cross the finish line after their three horses have all completed laps of the track. 

For the Native Amercians who compete in the Relays, it is not only a sport but a cultural and spiritual tradition that has been handed down through generations. Horsemanship is ingrained in Native American heritage, and despite its risks, Indian Relay is still popular with Native Americans today - many of whom grew up on reservations riding horses and practicing the necessary skills from a young age. Chiefs, Warriors, and Maidens can all compete fearlessly against each other, and they pride themselves on being accomplished horsemen and women, able to become one with their horses.