The Wapiti, commonly known as elk, are not a direct part of the Lakota people, but they do hold significant cultural and ecological importance in the regions where the Lakota historically inhabited. The Lakota, a Native American tribe, traditionally lived in the Great Plains, where they interacted with various wildlife, including the Wapiti.
The Wapiti are part of the natural environment the Lakota relied upon for sustenance, tools, and cultural practices. Elk are mentioned in Lakota oral traditions, and their presence is tied to the spiritual beliefs of the people. Hunting elk provided not only food but also materials for clothing, tools, and ceremonial items.
In summary, while the Wapiti themselves are not specifically categorized as part of the Lakota tribe, they are integral to Lakota culture and history, representing the deep connection between the tribe and their natural surroundings.