Red Hawk (aka Cheta Luta)

Of the Plains Indians that lived west from the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains, and south from Canada to Texas, the Sioux Nation was the largest. Sharing a similar language, they would separate themselves into three geographic groups: Dakota (east), Lakota (west) and Nakota (central plains). Yet they all relied on the American bison for food, clothing, shelter, fuel and tools. Primarily hunters and gatherers, most of these Native Americans lived a nomadic lifestyle in pursuit of the migratory buffalo, living in tipis that could be easily disassembled and transported. The Sioux hunted on foot until the beginning of the 17th century when they were able to obtain escaped horses that the Spanish had introduced to the continent a century before. Often referred to as "sacred dogs," horses offered greater mobility and ease in hunting. Interestingly, the Plains Indians were found to be the tallest people in the world during the late 1800s - believed by anthropometric historians to be an indicator of overall health and standard of living. Seen here in the Badlands of South Dakota is Red Hawk, sub-chief of the Oglala band of Lakota who fought with Sitting Bull at Little Big Horn.