Miniconjou facts for kids

Touch the Clouds, a Miniconjou chief, in 1877.

The Miniconjou (say "Min-i-kon-joo") are a group of Native American people. They are part of the larger Lakota people. Their name, "Mnikowoju," means 'Plants by the Water' in the Lakota language. Long ago, they lived in what is now western South Dakota, near the Black Hills. Today, most Miniconjou people live in west-central South Dakota. A well-known Miniconjou leader was Touch the Clouds.

Miniconjou Bands

The Miniconjou, along with the Sans Arc and Two Kettles groups, were often called the Central Lakota. They were divided into smaller groups called bands or thiyóšpaye. These bands were like large families or communities that lived and traveled together.

Here are some of the historic Miniconjou bands:

• Unkche yuta (‘Dung Eaters’)
• Glaglaheca (‘Untidy’ or ‘Slovenly’)
• Shunka Yute Shni (‘Eat No Dogs’)
• Nige Tanka (‘Big Belly’)
• Wakpokinyan (‘Flies Along the River’)
• Inyan ha oin (‘Musselshell Earring’)
• Siksicela or Shikshichela (‘Bad Ones’)
• Wagleza-oin (‘Gartersnake Earring’)
• Wanhin Wega (‘Broken Arrow’)
• Tall Bear

The Oóhenuŋpa, also known as the Two Kettles, were originally part of the Miniconjou band called Wanhin Wega. Around 1840, they separated and became their own distinct group or tribe.

Important Miniconjou Leaders

Before the Miniconjou people lived on reservations in the late 1800s, they had special leaders. Joseph White Bull explained that the Miniconjou recognized six hereditary leaders. These leaders were chosen from different family groups within the tribe.

These hereditary leaders were:

• Makes Room
• Black Shield
• Lone Horn (from the Wakpokinyan band)
• White Hollow Horn
• White Swan
• Comes Flying

Some Miniconjou leaders became famous as war chiefs. They earned their respect by being brave and skilled warriors. These leaders were highly honored. Joseph White Bull mentioned two such war chiefs:

• Lame Deer
• Black Moon

Other important Miniconjou people included: