The Ghost Dance is a spiritual movement that emerged among Native American tribes in the late 19th century, particularly among the Lakota Sioux. It was founded by a Paiute prophet named Wovoka, who claimed to have received a vision that promised the return of deceased ancestors and the restoration of Native lands. Participants in the Ghost Dance performed a circular dance, believing it would bring about a renewal of their culture and a better future. The movement gained popularity, leading to tensions with the U.S. government, culminating in the tragic events at Wounded Knee in 1890, where many Native Americans were killed.