a member of the Siouan people of the northern Mississippi valley; commonly called the Sioux
"The Dakota leader negotiated peace with the settlers in the fertile lands along the Missouri River."
the area of the states of North Dakota and South Dakota
"The historic fort stood in the heart of the dakota region, marking a significant point on the old frontier trail."
the Siouan language spoken by the Dakota
"The elder began speaking in dakota to share stories of their ancestors."
A member of the Dakota people
"The dakota leader spoke to the council about the upcoming treaty negotiations."
In plain English: A dakota is an indigenous group of people who originally lived in what is now North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and parts of Canada.
"The tourists spent their summer exploring historic sites in Dakota before heading home."
The Santee branch of the Sioux people.
"The Santee branch of the Dakota tribe migrated eastward after being displaced from their original homeland."
The word dakota comes from the Dakota language, where it originally meant "ally." It entered English to refer to both the Native American people and their territory.