The history of the Lakota language dates back to 900 CE. The earliest Lakota history was recorded in waníyetu wówapi (winter counts). Lakota speakers had lived in the upper region known as Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Due to conflicts, they moved west and settled in the Great Plains where they found the Pahá Sápa (Black Hills). The Lakota made the Black Hills their home.
Some of the earliest Oceti Sakowin history was documented by waníyetu wówapi (winter counts), which are pictorial calendars of prominent events. Images were drawn on animal hides, and later the calendars also used fabric and paper. Those who kept the winter counts were responsible for retelling the history to their community. According to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the winter count pictured here "was created or interpreted by Long Soldier, a Húnkpapȟa Lakȟóta chief who signed the 1868 Fort Laramie treaty. It offers a 106-year glimpse into his community’s history."