The Mississippi Sioux: Claims for Fairness and Recognition, 1972-06-12

In 1972, Charles A. Hobbs, an attorney for the Mississippi Sioux in Canada, argued before a House Subcommittee on Indian Affairs that descendants of the original U.S. tribe should share in claims awards. He provided historical background on the Mississippi Sioux, who sold land to the U.S. government in treaties between 1808 and 1859. The Lower Sioux were involved in the "Minnesota Outbreak" of 1862, while the Upper Sioux had little to do with the uprising. Many Sioux fled to Canada, where they were predominantly Sissetons and Wahpetons. The uprising was sparked by delayed treaty annuities and mistreatment by traders. The rebellion was put down by the U.S. Army, with some rebels executed and others fleeing to Canada.