<P> The Great Sioux Nation was the political structure of the Sioux in North America at the time of their contact with Europeans and Euro - Americans . Most of the peoples speaking a Siouan language were members of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ ( pronounced ( oˈtʃhethi ʃaˈkowĩ ) ) or Seven Fires Council . The seven members are sometimes grouped into three regional / dialect groups ( Lakota , Western Dakota , and Eastern Dakota ) , but these mid-level identities were not politically institutionalized . The seven smaller groups were separate members of one confederacy . </P>
what are the three tribes that make up the sioux nation
Lakota Western Dakota Eastern Dakota