Yes, I thought that 'Dances with Wolves' was rubbish too! Not only does it portray the Sioux as loveable hippies (who could, of course, 'kick ass' when really, really provoked) but it demonised the Pawnees. This latter tribe did become mercenaries for the US Army but they really hated the Sioux - and with good reason!

A proper perspective is provided by George E. Hyde's book, 'The Pawnee Indians' (Univ. of Oklahoma Press pb. ed. 1988 [first pub. 1951]). He shows that the semi-sedentary tribes of the Pawnee confederacy, in their earth lodge villages, were, from the end of the 18th Century onwards, often decimated by disease (particularly smallpox). And in this weakened state they were continually and mercilessly preyed on by the Sioux who killed their warriors, massacred their women and children and plundered their corn fields and horse herds. It's really no wonder that they allied themselves with the white men when the opportunity presented itself (not that it did them any good in the long run).

But if you believe Kevin Costner and 'Dances with Wolves' the Pawnees were wicked, venal mercenaries. This is positively libellous and if I was a Pawnee I wouldn't be very happy!