The Arikara were a loosely organized confederacy of sub-tribes, each of which had its separate village and distinctive name, few of which have been preserved.
Arikara Bands
The following names were noted during the middle of the 19th century:
- Hachepiriinu (Young Dogs)
- Hia (Band of Cree)
- Hosukhaunu (Foolish Dogs) Given as an Arikara band under chief Sithauche about 1855, but properly a dance society.
- Hosukhaunukare rihn or Hosukhaunukarerihu(Little Foolish Dogs) Given as an Arikara band under chief Tigaranish about 1855, but properly a dance society.
- Sukhutit (Black Mouths)
- Kaka (Band of Crows)
- Okos (Band of Bulls)
- Paushuk (Band of Cut-throats)
- Foxes. An Arikara band. Culbertson in Smithson. Rep. 1850, 143, 1851.
- Hachepiriinu (young dogs) A former Arikara band under chief Chinanitu, The Brother.
- Hia (‘band of Cree’) .A former Arikara band under chief Cherenakuta, or Yellow Wolf.
Today, the Arikara are a part of the Three Affiliated Tribes, which include the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, located in New Town, North Dakota.