United States v. Sioux Nation

The Sioux Nation (plaintiff) held treaty rights to the Black Hills under an 1868 treaty, but after gold was discovered and settlers pressed into the area, the United States (defendant) pressured Sioux leaders, after taking away their weapons, horses, and ability to hunt, into signing an 1876 agreement ceding the Black Hills in exchange only for continued subsistence rations the Sioux had become dependent upon. The Indian Claims Commission and Court of Claims found this 1877 Act effected a taking of Sioux land and awarded over $17 million plus interest, and the government sought Supreme Court review.