The Ghost Dance, initiated by the Northern Paiute prophet Wovoka in 1890, emerged as a religious movement among Native American tribes, aiming to restore traditional lands and ways of life. This prophetic circle dance was rooted in the hope of spiritual renewal and resistance against colonial oppression. The movement sparked significant cultural and political responses, culminating in tragic confrontations, including the Wounded Knee Massacre, which underscored the struggles of Indigenous peoples in America.

The Ghost Dance religious movement of 1890 generated a rich body of sacred chant-poetry and resistance lyrics among Native American communities. This literature documented cultural crises while celebrating resilience, profoundly influencing indigenous literary traditions.