Part 1.1 – The Seven Council Fires

Understanding the Foundations of the Oglala Sioux Nation

Long before the United States drew borders or signed treaties, the Lakota people belonged to a powerful and united kinship of nations known as the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, or “Seven Council Fires.” This was not just a political alliance—it was a sacred cultural structure rooted in mutual respect, shared language, and traditional governance that guided our people for centuries.

What Is the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ?

The Očhéthi Šakówiŋ is the traditional alliance of seven related bands, or “fires,” of the Sioux Nation. These fires are divided into three primary dialect groups:

• Dakota (Santee): Bdewákaŋthuŋwaŋ, Waȟpékhute, Waȟpéthuŋwaŋ, Sisíthuŋwaŋ
• Nakota (Yankton): Iháŋkthuŋwaŋ, Iháŋkthuŋwaŋna
• Lakota (Teton): Titónwaŋ – including the Oglala

Though they speak distinct dialects, all seven bands share a common origin, spiritual worldview, and kinship-based system of governance.

The Seven Council Fires Explained

Each “fire” represents one of the sovereign bands that originally comprised the larger Sioux Nation. These groups would come together to make collective decisions, resolve disputes, and uphold cultural law. The fires formed a spiritual and political union held together by ceremony, mutual defense, and kinship.

Here is a breakdown of the fires:

1. Bdewákaŋthuŋwaŋ (Mdewakanton): Eastern Dakota group
2. Waȟpékhute: Known as “leaf shooters,” closely allied with Bdewákaŋthuŋwaŋ
3. Waȟpéthuŋwaŋ: A prominent Dakota group from Minnesota
4. Sisíthuŋwaŋ: Occupied areas around present-day Minnesota and eastern South Dakota
5. Iháŋkthuŋwaŋ (Yankton): Transitioned toward Plains life, bridge between woodland and plains culture
6. Iháŋkthuŋwaŋna (Yanktonai): Related to the Yankton, settled further west
7. Titónwaŋ (Lakota): The westernmost Sioux, including the Oglala, Sicangu, Hunkpapa, and others

The Rise of the Oglala

The Oglala Lakota are one of seven sub-bands within the Titónwaŋ (Lakota). Our name—Oglála, meaning “to scatter one’s own”—refers to the strategic independence our people demonstrated during migration, war, and governance. While part of a collective alliance, Oglala leadership emphasized tiospaye-based decision-making and warrior ethics rooted in spiritual strength.

Traditional Governance and Ceremony

In Očhéthi Šakówiŋ governance, no single chief ruled all. Leadership was consensus-based and heavily influenced by ceremonial roles, including Itancans (leaders), Wicasas (holy men), and Winyans (matriarchs). Seasonal councils were held to decide matters of war, peace, and movement—always guided by Wakan Tanka (the Great Mystery).

The Smithsonian Institution and other sources detail how these systems were among the most sophisticated Indigenous political structures in North America.

Why It Matters Today

The Seven Council Fires are not a relic of the past—they are a living legacy. Many of our ceremonial practices, language dialects, and community relationships still reflect the structure of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ. Understanding this origin is essential to understanding the sovereignty and strength of the Oglala Sioux Tribe today.

This foundation laid the groundwork for our treaty rights, resistance movements, and cultural continuity through modern governance and ceremony.

Learn More

To explore more about the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ and Lakota history, we recommend:

• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
• National Park Service – Plains Indian Culture
• Oglala Lakota College – Lakota Studies Curriculum

Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ – We are all related. The fire still burns.