They were responsible for the tipi — setting it up, taking it down, maintaining it.

This was not trivial work: a tipi large enough to house a family required significant engineering knowledge to erect correctly, and the tanning and sewing of the hides that covered it was extremely labor intensive.

Lakota women managed food production: butchering game, preserving meat through drying and the preparation of wasna (pemmican), processing plant foods, cooking for the family.

They produced clothing: tanning hides, sewing garments, beading decorative elements.

They raised children and cared for elders.