Being restricted to reservations significantly changed the way of life of Native Americans on the Great Plains.
Prior to being forced onto reservations, many Plains tribes relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for their livelihoods. They followed the movements of the buffalo and other game animals, and their way of life was closely tied to the natural environment.
However, life on the reservations was very different. Native Americans were often confined to small areas of land that were unsuitable for farming, hunting, or other traditional activities. They were forced to rely on government-provided rations and supplies, and many struggled to make a living.
Families were separated and traditional social structures were disrupted, which led to the loss of cultural traditions and practices. Native American children were often sent to boarding schools where they were forbidden from speaking their native language, practicing their customs, or expressing their cultural identity.
Overall, the forced relocation to reservations was a traumatic experience for Native Americans on the Great Plains, and it had a profound impact on their way of life, culture, and traditions.