In the Lakota language his name was Tatanka-Iyotanka.
Sitting Bull was a very important Native American leader. He was born about 1834. He was a member of the Hunkpapa Lakota tribe. As a boy, his name was “Slow.” He was called this because he always took his time when making decisions. Slow became a good buffalo hunter. He was very brave for a young boy. Slow was generous too. He always gave buffalo meat to people in his tribe who needed it.
When he grew up, Slow’s people gave him the new name, Sitting Bull. Soon, he became a member of the Strong Hearts society. The members of that society were brave men. They protected all the people. Sitting Bull became a Chief. He led Lakota warriors in many battles to keep their lands. These battles were usually against the United States. New Americans wanted Indian lands. The Lakota people did not want to lose their land.
Other Native American people were forced onto reservations. But Sitting Bull and his people would not give up. They moved to Canada so they could live as they always had. But life in Canada was very hard. There was not much game to hunt. Also, the Canadian government wanted Sitting Bull’s people to go back to the United States. So, Sitting Bull led his people back. Then they were forced to live on a reservation.
Sitting Bull never stopped caring for his people. He never lost his courage. He never gave up trying to help his people live the way they wanted. Sitting Bull died in 1890. He was much beloved by the Hunkpapa Lakota people.
Sitting Bull's people wanted to live on a small reservation.
The reason the government wanted Sitting Bull's people to live on small reservations was because new Americans wanted Indian lands.
Sitting Bull was called Slow because he couldn't run very fast.
