Plains indians

Question 1

Can you describe the bands?

Answer 1

• Most people in a band were related to each other, they were led by chiefs.
• Council members agreed everything the band did.
• The survival and protection of the band as a whole was seen as more important than the individuals within it.

Question 2

What are chiefs?

Answer 2

• Chiefs were chosen because of their wisdom and skills as warriors.
• They were rarely chiefs for life.
• They did not actually have to be obeyed.

Question 3

Can you describe the tribes ?

Answer 3

• Bands in the same tribe will always support each other.
• Tribal meetings would be held each year to arrange; marriages, trade horses and discuss issues.
• Some tribes were part of larger groups called nations.

Question 4

What are warrior societies?

Answer 4

• The best warriors from each band formed its warrior society.
• They supervised hunting and protected their bands from attacks.
• Bands councils would always consult them before they made any decisions.

Question 5

What are the Indians beliefs on nature?

Answer 5

• Everything in nature had a spirit and these spirits could help humans or harm them.
• Humans were part of nature and should work with the spirits of nature.
• They did not try to tame or control nature.
• They could contact the spirit world through visions and special ritual dances.

Question 6

What are the Indians beliefs on land and property?

Answer 6

• Plains Indians tribes had sacred areas for example Sioux had black hill or Dakota
• No one owned the land and it could not be bought or sold, this went against the white Americans that came later on.
• Mining and farming was seen as disrespectful.

Question 7

What were the Indians attitude to war?

Answer 7

• Plains Indians society was full of conflict, but they had developed ways to avoid too much killing.
• War parties would often run away if a fight turned against them.
• The highest respect was given to warriors for counting coup rather than fighting and killing.