Native American Day
Native American Day in South Dakota is more than a date on the calendar. It is a celebration of living cultures, languages, stories, and traditions that continue to shape this land. While many states still observe Columbus Day, South Dakota chose a different path. In 1990, the state officially replaced Columbus Day with Native American Day, recognizing the profound and ongoing influence of the Indigenous Nations who have called this region home for thousands of years.
Native American Day honors the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples, as well as all Indigenous communities that contribute to the spirit and identity of the Northern Plains. For locals, travelers, and learners of every background, this day offers a chance to understand, appreciate, and celebrate cultures that maintain strength and continuity despite generations of challenge. The Black Hills and surrounding plains hold stories far older than state borders, and taking time to learn from these stories becomes an essential part of honoring Native American Day.
South Dakota’s Nine Tribal Nations
South Dakota is home to nine federally recognized tribes. Each nation carries its own history, governance, and cultural traditions. Together, they represent one of the highest proportions of Indigenous residents in any state, with Native Americans making up roughly nine percent of the population.
The nine tribal nations in South Dakota are:
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Located in the center of the state, this nation is known for its strong cultural continuity and large land base. The Cheyenne River community preserves language, ceremony, and artistry across generations.
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
Positioned along the Missouri River, Crow Creek maintains a rich cultural legacy tied to the water, the land, and community resilience.
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
With roots in the Santee Dakota, this community continues important traditions while engaging in forward-thinking projects across education, health, and economic development.
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
Lower Brule is known for buffalo restoration efforts, strong agricultural traditions, and a deep connection to the river valley.
Oglala Sioux Tribe
Located on Pine Ridge Reservation, the Oglala Lakota Nation is one of the most widely recognized Indigenous communities in the world. The people of Pine Ridge maintain strong language preservation projects, cultural revitalization initiatives, and a long history of activism.
Sicangu Lakota Oyate
Also known as the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, the Sicangu Lakota maintain a powerful connection to culture, language, arts, and traditional governance.
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
Located in the northeast region, this Dakota community is known for music, beadwork, agriculture, and educational innovation.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Straddling the South Dakota-North Dakota border, Standing Rock is internationally known for its cultural strength, land stewardship, and the spirit of unity shown during the protection of water resources.
Yankton Sioux Tribe
Located in the southeastern region, the Yankton Sioux Tribe has a long legacy of diplomacy, horse culture, and artistic expression.
These nine tribal nations each speak a dialect of Lakota, Dakota, or Nakota. Many people still refer to these groups as Sioux. The term derives from the French translation of an Ojibwe word used during early contact. Today, the preferred terms are Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota. Using the correct names respects the linguistic and cultural heritage of each community and acknowledges the sovereignty of the tribal nations.
Understanding Native American Day
Native American Day in South Dakota is a celebration built on recognition, education, and cultural appreciation. It encourages residents and visitors to learn about Native histories not as distant stories, but as living traditions. This day invites people to recognize the contributions of Indigenous people in art, governance, environmental stewardship, food systems, and spirituality.
The shift from Columbus Day to Native American Day provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the true history of this region. Rather than centering a narrative of conquest, the celebration centers on the original caretakers of the land. It recognizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge, respect for nature, and cultural continuity.
Native American Day encourages people to approach learning with humility and openness. It is a time to ask questions, listen, build relationships, and seek understanding that lasts beyond the holiday itself. The day becomes a starting point rather than an ending point.
How to Honor Native American Day in a Meaningful Way
There are many ways for locals and visitors to celebrate Native American Day in South Dakota. Each activity supports deeper cultural understanding, community collaboration, and respect for tribal sovereignty.
1. Visit Tribal Museums and Cultural Centers
South Dakota has several remarkable museums and cultural centers where visitors can learn about Indigenous histories, languages, and traditions. These include:
• The Akta Lakota Museum in Chamberlain
• The Oglala Lakota Artspace in Kyle
• The Heritage Center at Red Cloud School
• The Sisseton Wahpeton Culture Center
• The Mead Museum at Yankton
Each center offers exhibits, artwork, historical interpretation, and opportunities to support Native artisans.
2. Support Native-Owned Businesses
From beadwork and quillwork to star quilts, books, music, and traditional foods, Native entrepreneurship thrives across South Dakota. Supporting Native-owned businesses during Native American Day strengthens local economies and honors cultural continuity.
3. Attend Cultural Events
Many tribal communities host celebrations, dances, teachings, and public events in honor of Native American Day. These gatherings provide a respectful space to observe traditions, learn directly from community members, and understand the meaning behind songs, regalia, and stories.
4. Learn About Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Languages
Language revitalization is a vital movement across the Northern Plains. Visitors and residents can participate by learning basic greetings, enrolling in online courses, or supporting language initiatives. Even small efforts help preserve knowledge for future generations.
5. Explore the Black Hills Through a Cultural Lens
The Black Hills hold profound spiritual significance for the Lakota people. Through guided tours and educational programs, guests can learn about sacred sites, traditional stories, and ecological knowledge. Understanding the land’s cultural importance enriches every visit.
6. Engage in Responsible Travel
Responsible travel includes honoring cultural protocols, respecting sacred places, and supporting tribal-led conservation efforts. It also involves listening to Native voices and supporting Indigenous leadership in land stewardship, wildlife care, and environmental protection.
7. Learn the History Beyond Textbooks
Native American Day encourages people to learn the fuller history of treaties, boarding schools, traditional governance, and the resilience of Indigenous nations. Many online resources, books, documentaries, and community-led workshops provide accessible ways to deepen understanding.
A Personal Commitment to Learning
Living in a state with such a rich Indigenous heritage brings both privilege and responsibility. For many people, including those involved with My XO Adventures, Native American Day serves as a yearly reminder to continue learning, build connections, and support community needs. For travelers, guides, and residents alike, the journey of understanding Native cultures lasts a lifetime. There is always more to learn, more to appreciate, and more ways to support the sovereignty and traditions of the nine tribal nations.
