This area covers the middle of the United States. Some other Indian tribes that shared this region with the Sioux were the Arapaho, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Cree, Mandan, and Pawnee. Some were friends of the Sioux, like the Cheyenne, and some were enemies, like the Pawnee. These tribes hunted over a large land area following buffalo herds. The life of these Indians on the plains depended completely on the buffalo.

The Great Plains area was very important to these tribes. Everything needed to survive was here, food, shelter and water from the rivers. The Great Plains also gave plenty of space for these tribes to move around and find new animals to hunt, and give them other kinds of foods. The plains had many animals such as the buffalo, foxes, wolves, coyotes, rabbits, and many more. In the hills, the Indians could find deer, bears and antelope.

Before the horse was introduced by the Europeans, the only working animal these tribes had was the dog. The dog pulled the travois and the Indians walked. When the horses came, the Indians could now travel and cover more land.

The location of Indian camps depended on the buffalo herd. Wherever the buffalo went the Indians would follow as long as there was enough food.

The climate was harsh. The summers were very hot and winters were very cold. This made farming difficult. That is another reason why many tribes became nomadic.

Along the major rivers, a few tribes grew corn, squash, and beans. Buffalo hides were used to make clothing, tepees, and storage containers.