Although altered by government and religious sanctions since the establishment of reservations in 1878, the Omaha dance still serves as an obtrusive demonstration of tribal identity and cohesion for the Oglala and Sicangu Sioux. The dance achieved a high level of prominence as a successful celebration for petitioning supernatural protection in warfare just before reservations were established when warfare activities ceased. The dance's popularity heightened as it became a means for breaking reservation monotony. Audiences enjoyed the Omaha dance when it was incorporated into the growing number of wild west shows, including Buffalo Bill's. The international travel and adventure attracted many Native Americans to employment in those shows. These shows brought about dance innovations and changes. Missionaries and reformers condemned the Omaha dance as superstitious, immoral and counter to civilizing efforts. In 1883, the federal government issued "Indian Offenses" codes targeted at war dances. Wild west shows and further dance-suppressing acts and lobbyists often came into conflict. In 1922 a further increase in restrictions met with an outcry from many tribes and their supporters, including the American Indian Defense Association, and efforts to solve this crisis led to a compromise which sanctioned federal regulation of ritual while acknowledging native religious freedom. Dance regulations continued to 1934. Now significantly altered and often abbreviated for non-Indian audiences, Omaha dancing remains important for cultural identity. (PM)