Indigenous cultures of the American Great Plains

The Indigenous cultures of the American Great Plains, such as the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Crow, thrived on a deep connection to the land and the buffalo, which was central to their way of life. They were skilled hunters, gatherers, and farmers, utilizing the vast grasslands for sustenance. Their social structures often revolved around kinship, communal living, and spiritual beliefs that emphasized harmony with nature. These cultures traditionally engaged in rich oral storytelling, spiritual rituals, and elaborate ceremonies, reflecting their values and identity. The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century dramatically disrupted their societies and way of life.