WHAT WAS THE SIOUX GOVERNMENT LIKE?
Sioux Indian Government The Sioux Indians are governed by customs and not laws. The chiefs did not give orders. Instead they offered advice. There were different chiefs for different purposes. For example, there were War Chiefs, Civil Chiefs, and Medicine Men. These chiefs would meet regularly to talk about tribal matters. If a new rule was to be passed they asked the opinion of the whole tribe before passing it. The Sioux were a warrior group of Indians so the War Chief was very important and highly respected. A successful warrior could become a chief if he was elected by the whole tribe. He could also lose the honor if the tribe lost confidence in him. Warriors Young men were trained to be strong and brave. Before going to war, warriors gained courage and strength by dancing to songs and drumbeats. They painted their bodies and horses with colors and symbols representing spirits that would protect them. How do you gain courage and strength to do things such as, play sports or take a
