During the winter of 1857–1858, ninety delegates from thirteen tribal nations traveled to Washington, D.C., including the Mdewakanton chief Little Crow, for negotiations with President Buchanan and the United States government.
Article 3: In the event of land sales authorized by the Senate, provisions were made for the allocation of funds to cover debts and expenses incurred by the bands.
Article 4: Lands retained by the bands were designated as Indian reservations, subject to U.S. laws governing trade and interaction with Native American tribes.
Article 5: The United States retained the right to establish and maintain military posts, schools, and other facilities within the reservation, with compensation provided for any damages caused to individual Indian properties.
Article 9: The Secretary of the Interior was granted discretion over the annual expenditure of funds allocated to the bands, with the aim of promoting their welfare and advancement in civilization.