Sitting Bull for Kids

Today we are going to learn about Sitting Bull! Sitting Bull was part of the Lakota tribe. He was a warrior and a great chief and leader who served as a hero and inspiration to many! Sitting Bull was a Native American born into a family of the Lakota tribe. He is believed to have been born in 1831, but no one knows for sure. The Lakota lived in the Great Plains. They lived in the northern part near present-day Montana and the Dakotas. When he was young, Sitting Bull could fight and hunt on horseback. The Lakota hunted bison and used all parts, not just the meat.

When he grew up, Sitting Bull became a warrior. Warriors would wear clothes like this in battle. Sitting Bull was very wise and brave! The Lakota tribe made him chief. "Boss" means leader. The Lakota tribe, along with others, were forced to abandon their lands to live on a reservation. Sitting Bull was very upset by this, he was not fair to his people! Later, the US government even took the Black Hills from them! The Black Hills were an important religious site. In March 1876, thousands of Native Americans gathered in present-day Montana to attend a sun dance. Sundance is a religious ritual.

The US government sent soldiers to take them back to the reservations. They were told to capture Sitting Bull because he was one of the greatest and most important leaders. On June 25, 1876, the Battle of Little Bighorn began. Colonel George Custer led soldiers in battle to force the Native Americans back to the reservations, but the Native Americans won the battle! After the battle, Sitting Bull led his people to Canada. He wanted to protect them from further attacks. But then the Great Plains were lost! Then they returned to the Great Sioux Reservation. He later traveled with a circus called "Buffalo Bill's Wild West." After his return, reservation police feared he would take the Lakota.

A battle broke out and Sitting Bull was killed. Sitting Bull, part of the Lakota tribe, a great warrior, chief and leader, but also a great inspiration to all who believe in fighting for what they believe in! He fought for his people, even when the cards were stacked against him. He wanted to do whatever it took to protect the people he loved! Thank you for watching this video about Sitting Bull! I hope this was helpful and informative for you, and we look forward to seeing you next time!