the ghost dance religion and the sioux outbreak of 1890

As did other Indians who practiced the new religion, the Lakota adapted it to their own traditions. When they returned to their reservation, they spread word of Wovoka’s message and taught the ghost dance. Like other Indians who heard of the prophet’s vision, the Lakota sent people to meet him in person. By late 1889, it had reached the Lakota and other Sioux, living on their reservations in what is now the state of South Dakota (Documents 22 and 23).

Word of Wovoka’s vision spread among Indians throughout the West. The dance was a version of a traditional Indian circle dance. If they did this, God told him, they would hasten the day of reunion with their ancestors.

Wovoka was also shown a dance, which came to be called the ghost dance, and told to tell the people to perform it every day for several days in a row. If they followed these instructions they would not die or get sick and would be united with all those who had lived before, whom Wovoka had seen in his vision enjoying the pastimes of old in a land full of game. The message was that they should live honestly, work hard, and not quarrel among themselves or fight with the whites. 1856-1932), living what is now the state of Nevada, had a vision in which God gave him a message to carry back to his people. In January 1889, a Paiute prophet, Wovoka (c.

The ghost dance religion and the sioux outbreak of 1890