We have put together a list of the
most commonly asked questions. Please select a category below or scroll down to
read all the questions and answers in our F.A.Q.
How can I get
enrolled?
You would need to contact your tribal offices for enrollment. If you do not know
what tribe you are from, you will need to do some research first before you can
call the tribe (see seeking relatives). For enrollment with the Cheyenne River
Sioux Tribe, contact the CRST Realty Office. Be prepared to show proof of Sioux
blood (you will need legal documents such as birth certificates) before
completing enrollment paperwork. An Enrollment committee votes on each request.
Expect a reply within one to two years -- the office is currently overburdened.
Call or write the Realty Office, briefly request the Forms and list of
documentation you will need.
How can I get an Indian Name?
First off, it is not called an, "indian" name. If you would like a Lakhota name,
you should speak to your family about this. Names are given by family members
and those who know you well. Never pay for a, "naming ceremony" and be wary of
those who give you "Native" names. If you would like your English name
translated into a Lakhota meaning, that is acceptable. Visit "Name Translations"
at
http://www.lakhota.com/translate.htm
I have an Indian Name
but I don't know how to pronounce it, can you help me?
This is a touchy subject among our people. As some would say, "If you have a
legitimate Native name, why don't you already know the meaning or the
translation?" A very reasonable question. My suggestion is to return to the
person who gave you the name and ask them to explain where they came up with the
name, what it means and how to say it. Again, be careful of anyone who tries to
charge you for ceremonies - spiritual or other.
I have unsual dreams
about Native and/or the language - can you translate it?
Dreams are intimate trailers of the depth of our souls, sometimes, they are
meaningless ways of escaping life's turmoils and sometimes they are very real
and specific ways of bringing a subject to the surface. It's important you do
not ask just anyone for a dream translation. We have people called interpreters,
our interpreters are very special people who practice the act of dream
translation with reverence and respect. Never pay someone for a dream
translation ceremony and be careful who you ask to interpret - they could tell
you anything.
What are your
traditional foods?
Most of the common American dishes you eat today, were our traditional foods.
For more information on Native foods, visit this page:
http://www.lakhota.com/story.food.htm
Who are the Sioux and
why do you call yourself the Lakhota?
The Lakota are a band of the Sioux tribe. Specifically, this site is geared
towards CRST members as it is run by a CRST (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) member
named Tashnaheca. The spelling of Lakhota with an "h" is to emphasize the
pronunciation of Lakota. The Lakota language is a dialect of the Sioux Language.
To read more about this, visit this page:
http://www.lakhota.com/story.history.htm
How can I find my
Lakhota relatives?
Start with birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates. If you
are trying to find out of your relative is/ was enrolled - gather all of your
legal documentation, including birth dates and place of birth/death and hit the
enrollment office. The turnaround for information is long - so, practice the
virtue of patience.
How can I find out if
a relative was/ is Lakota?
Gather your legal documentation and contact your tribal office for a copy of
enrollment. (see Enrollment for more information)
How can I learn more
about Lakhota Spirituality?
We believe that spirituality is unique for each individual and not something we
openly teach to others. Spirituality is between the created and the Creator.
My baby is due soon, I want to give
her a Native Name - do you have any suggestions?
I have compiled a list of Native American names from many different tribes.
Not all are Lakota, but something might spark your interest! To see our
list of Native Baby Names, visit this page:
http://www.lakhota.com/story.babynames.htm
