Little Wolf (1820-1904) was a prominent Cheyenne chief and a key figure in the history of the Cheyenne Nation and Native American people. Born in the early 19th century, Little Wolf grew up in the traditional ways of the Cheyenne people and became a respected leader within his tribe. He played a significant role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, negotiated treaties with the US government, and advocated for Native American rights during a time of great change and upheaval. This article provides a comprehensive biography of Little Wolf's life and times, exploring his leadership, his political negotiations, and his impact on Native American history and culture.
Early Life and Childhood of Little Wolf
Birth and Early Years
Little Wolf was born in 1820 to a Cheyenne family in the Great Plains region of North America. Growing up, he was known by the name "Ho nêhéhe" which means "Little Wolf" in the Cheyenne language. As a young child, Little Wolf learned the customs of the Cheyenne people and developed a strong connection to his natural surroundings.
Family and Tribal Heritage
Little Wolf was born into the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, which was known for their skilled horseback riding and strategic warfare tactics. His father was a respected warrior and leader within the tribe, and his mother was known for her weaving and crafting abilities.
Education and Coming of Age Rituals
As a child, Little Wolf learned the Cheyenne language and participated in traditional ceremonies and rituals. He also learned the skills necessary for survival on the Great Plains, such as hunting and tracking. When he came of age, Little Wolf participated in the Sun Dance ceremony, which was a rite of passage for young Cheyenne men.
Little Wolf's Leadership and the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Rise to Leadership in the Cheyenne Nation
Little Wolf proved himself as a skilled warrior and leader within the Cheyenne Nation. He played a role in several battles against the United States army, including the Battle of the Washita in 1868, where his father was killed. Little Wolf then rose to a position of leadership within the tribe.
Battle of the Rosebud and Little Bighorn
In 1876, tensions between the United States and the Cheyenne Nation reached a boiling point. Little Wolf played a crucial role in the Battle of the Rosebud, where the Cheyenne and Lakota tribes defeated General George Crook and his army.
Little Wolf then joined forces with the renowned Lakota leader, Sitting Bull, in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. This battle saw the defeat of General Custer and his regiment, and it was a significant victory for the Cheyenne and Lakota tribes.
Aftermath of the Battle and Little Wolf's Leadership Strategy
After the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Little Wolf urged his people to continue to resist the United States government. However, he also recognized the need for diplomacy and negotiation. Little Wolf led a delegation of Cheyenne leaders to Washington D.C. to negotiate peace with the U.S. government.
Little Wolf's Treaty Negotiations and the Cheyenne Exodus
Treaty of Medicine Lodge and Broken Promises
In 1867, the Treaty of Medicine Lodge was signed between the United States government and several Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne Nation. The treaty promised the tribes land and protections in exchange for peace.
However, the United States government did not fulfill their promises, and tensions between the government and Native American tribes continued to escalate. Little Wolf was one of several Cheyenne leaders who recognized the need for a new approach.
The Cheyenne Exodus and Little Wolf's Diplomacy
In 1878, Little Wolf led a group of approximately 300 Cheyenne people on a journey to Canada, where he hoped they could live free from the oppression of the United States government. This journey, which became known as the Cheyenne Exodus, was a difficult and dangerous one, and many people lost their lives along the way.
Despite the challenges, Little Wolf continued to advocate for his people. He met with Canadian officials and British representatives, seeking a safe place for the Cheyenne to live in peace. Ultimately, the Cheyenne were not granted political asylum, and many returned to the United States government.
Life as Exiles and Return to Reservation
After years of living as exiles, Little Wolf and his people were allowed to return to the United States government reservation in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Little Wolf worked to improve conditions for his people on the reservation and advocated for their rights.
Life on the Reservation and Advocacy for Native American Rights
Adapting to New Way of Life
Life on the reservation was difficult for the Cheyenne people. They were forced to adapt to a new way of life that was often harsh and restrictive. Little Wolf worked to find ways to preserve and maintain the traditional ways of the Cheyenne people.
Little Wolf's Political Advocacy and Resistance
Throughout his life, Little Wolf continued to advocate for Native American rights. He worked to ensure that his people were treated fairly and fought against policies that were harmful to the indigenous population. Little Wolf was a vocal opponent of the Dawes Act, which sought to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by dividing tribal lands and allotting them to individual Native Americans.
Legacy of Little Wolf's Advocacy
Little Wolf's leadership and advocacy for Native American rights continue to be celebrated to this day. He was a courageous and passionate leader who fought tirelessly for his people. Little Wolf's legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality for all.
Little Wolf's Legacy and Impact on Native American History
Little Wolf, also known as the little coyote, was a prominent leader of the Northern Cheyenne tribe. He was born in 1820 in the Powder River country of Montana and grew up in a time when Native American tribes were facing harsh discrimination and oppression from settlers and the US government. Despite the challenges, Little Wolf rose to become a legendary figure in Cheyenne history, revered for his leadership, bravery, and diplomacy.
Assessment of Little Wolf's Leadership and Legacy
Little Wolf played a vital role in the Northern Cheyenne's resistance against the US government's forced relocation to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in the late 1870s. He led a large group of Cheyenne on a perilous 1,500-mile journey from their homeland in Montana to their ancestral lands in the north. The journey became known as the "Northern Cheyenne Exodus," and Little Wolf's leadership ensured the safe passage of his people through hostile territories.
Historians have praised Little Wolf's strategic thinking and foresight, enabling him to anticipate and circumvent obstacles. He was also known for his diplomatic skills, working with other tribes and leaders to achieve mutual goals. His leadership and perseverance became an inspiration to many Native American people, and his legacy continues to inspire contemporary leaders in indigenous movements.
Little Wolf's Influence on Native American History and Culture
Little Wolf's life and leadership were instrumental in shaping Native American history and culture. He fought tirelessly for his people's rights and protection, and his commitment to preserving their heritage serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural identity. His leadership and vision embodied the resilience and determination of Native American people, and his legacy continues to inspire contemporary movements for indigenous rights and sovereignty.
Little Wolf's story has also inspired art, literature, and cinema, with depictions of his life appearing in books, films, and other media. He has become an icon of Native American history, a symbol of the strength and courage of the Cheyenne people, and a hero to many in the indigenous community.
Remembering Little Wolf Today
Little Wolf passed away in 1904, but his legacy continues to resonate with people across the world. His leadership and bravery continue to inspire and guide contemporary Native American movements, while his story serves as a reminder of the injustices faced by indigenous people throughout history. Remembering Little Wolf is a way to honor the sacrifices and contributions of Native American leaders and communities, and a call to action to continue the fight for indigenous rights and sovereignty.In conclusion, Little Wolf was a remarkable figure in the history of the Cheyenne Nation and Native American people. He demonstrated great leadership in times of adversity, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of Native Americans today. From his early years to his later life, Little Wolf made significant contributions to his people and to the history of America. His story serves as a reminder of the struggles and resilience of the Native American people, and of the importance of honoring and preserving their heritage and culture.
FAQ
Who was Little Wolf?
Little Wolf (1820-1904) was a prominent Cheyenne chief and leader, who played a significant role in the history of the Cheyenne Nation and Native American people. He was born in the early 19th century and grew up in the traditional ways of the Cheyenne people, before becoming a respected leader within his tribe.
What was Little Wolf's legacy?
Little Wolf's legacy is significant, as he was a key figure in the history of the Cheyenne Nation and Native American people. He demonstrated great leadership in times of adversity, and his political negotiations and advocacy for Native American rights had a lasting impact. His story continues to inspire and influence generations of Native Americans today.
What was the Cheyenne Exodus?
The Cheyenne Exodus was a journey made by a group of Cheyenne people in 1878, led by Little Wolf and Dull Knife. The group left their reservation in Oklahoma, and traveled over 1,000 miles to try and return to their ancestral homeland in Montana. The journey was difficult and many Cheyenne died, but it demonstrated Little Wolf's leadership and the determination of the Cheyenne people to resist government policies that threatened their way of life.
What was the significance of the Battle of the Little Bighorn?
The Battle of the Little Bighorn was a key moment in the history of Native American resistance against the US government. It took place in 1876, and was a major victory for the Cheyenne, Lakota, and Arapaho tribes, who defeated the US Army led by General Custer. Little Wolf played a significant role in the battle, and his leadership helped contribute to the victory. The battle is remembered as a symbol of Native American resistance against the forces of colonization and assimilation.
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If any people ever fought for liberty and justice, it was the Cheyennes. If any ever demonstrated their physical and moral courage beyond cavil, it was this race of purely American heroes, among whom Little Wolf was a leader.
I knew the chief personally very well.
As a young doctor, I was sent to the Pine Ridge agency in 1890, as government physician to the Sioux and the Northern Cheyennes. While I heard from his own lips of that gallant dash of his people from their southern exile to their northern home, I prefer that Americans should read of it in Doctor George Bird Grinnell's book, "The Fighting Cheyennes."
No account could be clearer or simpler; and then too, the author cannot be charged with a bias in favor of his own race. At the time that I knew him, Little Wolf was a handsome man, with the native dignity and gentleness, musical voice, and pleasant address of so many brave leaders of his people. One day when he was dining with us at our home on the reservation, I asked him, as I had a habit of doing, for some reminiscences of his early life.
He was rather reluctant to speak, but a friend who was present contributed the following: "Perhaps I can tell you why it is that he has been a lucky man all his life. When quite a small boy, the tribe was one winter in want of food, and his good mother had saved a small piece of buffalo meat, which she solemnly brought forth and placed before him with the remark: 'My son must be patient, for when he grows up he will know even harder times than this.'
"He had eaten nothing all day and was pretty hungry, but before he could lay hands on the meat a starving dog snatched it and bolted from the teepee. The mother ran after the dog and brought him back for punishment. She tied him to a post and was about to whip him when the boy interfered. 'Don't hurt him, mother!' he cried; 'he took the meat because he was hungrier than I am!'"
I was told of another kind act of his under trying circumstances. While still a youth, he was caught out with a party of buffalo hunters in a blinding blizzard.
They were compelled to lie down side by side in the snowdrifts, and it was a day and a night before they could get out. The weather turned very cold, and when the men arose they were in danger of freezing.
Little Wolf pressed his fine buffalo robe upon an old man who was shaking with a chill and himself took the other's thin blanket. As a full-grown young man, he was attracted by a maiden of his tribe, and according to the custom then in vogue the pair disappeared. When they returned to the camp as man and wife, behold! there was great excitement over the affair.
It seemed that a certain chief had given many presents and paid unmistakable court to the maid with the intention of marrying her, and her parents had accepted the presents, which meant consent so far as they were concerned. But the girl herself had not given consent. The resentment of the disappointed suitor was great.It was reported in the village that he had openly declared that the young man who defied and insulted him must expect to be punished. As soon as Little Wolf heard of the threats, he told his father and friends that he had done only what it is every man's privilege to do.
"Tell the chief," said he, "to come out with any weapon he pleases, and I will meet him within the circle of lodges. He shall either do this or eat his words. The woman is not his. Her people accepted his gifts against her wishes. Her heart is mine."
The chief apologized, and thus avoided the inevitable duel, which would have been a fight to the death.
The early life of Little Wolf offered many examples of the dashing bravery characteristic of the Cheyennes, and inspired the younger men to win laurels for themselves. He was still a young man, perhaps thirty-five, when the most trying crisis in the history of his people came upon them. As I know and as Doctor Grinnell's book amply corroborates, he was the general who largely guided and defended them in that tragic flight from the Indian Territory to their northern home.
I will not discuss the justice of their cause: I prefer to quote Doctor Grinnell, lest it appear that I am in any way exaggerating the facts. "They had come," he writes,
"from the high, dry country of Montana and North Dakota to the hot and humid
Indian Territory. They had come from a country where buffalo and other game were still plentiful to a land where the game had been exterminated. Immediately on their arrival they were attacked by fever and ague, a disease wholly new to them. Food was scanty, and they began to starve.
The agent testified before a committee of the Senate that he never received supplies to subsist the Indians for more than nine months in each year. These people were meat-eaters, but the beef furnished them by the government inspectors was no more than skin and bone. The agent in describing their sufferings said: 'They have lived and that is about all.' "The Indians endured this for about a year, and then their patience gave out. They left the agency to which they had been sent and started north.
Though troops were camped close to them, they attempted no concealment of their purpose. Instead, they openly announced that they intended to return to their own country.
We have heard much in past years of the march of the Nez Perces under Chief
Joseph, but little is remembered of the Dull Knife outbreak and the march to the north led by Little Wolf. The story of the journey has not been told, but in the traditions of the old army this campaign was notable, and old men who were stationed on the plains forty years ago are apt to tell you, if you ask them, that there never was such another journey since the Greeks marched to the sea…
"The fugitives pressed constantly northward undaunted, while orders were flying over the wires, and special trains were carrying men and horses to cut them off at all probable points on the different railway lines they must cross. Of the three hundred Indians, sixty or seventy were fighting men -- the rest old men, women, and children. An army officer once told me that thirteen thousand troops were hurrying over the country to capture or kill these few poor people who had left the fever-stricken South, and in the face of every obstacle were steadily marching northward.
"The War Department set all its resources in operation against them, yet they kept on. If troops attacked them, they stopped and fought until they had driven off the soldiers, and then started north again. Sometimes they did not even stop, but marched along, fighting as they marched. For the most part they tried -- and with success -- to avoid conflicts, and had but four real hard fights, in which they lost half a dozen men killed and about as many wounded."
It must not be overlooked that the appeal to justice had first been tried before taking this desperate step.
Little Wolf had gone to the agent about the middle of the summer and said to him: "This is not a good country for us, and we wish to return to our home in the mountains where we were always well. If you have not the power to give permission, let some of us go to Washington and tell them there how it is, or do you write to Washington and get permission for us to go back."
"Stay one more year," replied the agent, "and then we will see what we can do for you.
"No," said Little Wolf. "Before another year there will be none left to travel north. We must go now." Soon after this it was found that three of the Indians had disappeared and the chief was ordered to surrender ten men as hostages for their return. He refused.
"Three men," said he, "who are traveling over wild country can hide so that they cannot be found. You would never get back these three, and you would keep my men prisoners always."
The agent then threatened if the ten men were not given up to withhold their rations and starve the entire tribe into submission. He forgot that he was addressing a Cheyenne.
These people had not understood that they were prisoners when they agreed to friendly relations with the government and came upon the reservation. Little Wolf stood up and shook hands with all present before making his final deliberate address. "Listen, my friends, I am a friend of the white people and have been so for a long time. I do not want to see blood spilt about this agency. I am going north to my own country. If you are going to send your soldiers after me, I wish you would let us get a little distance away. Then if you want to fight, I will fight you, and we can make the ground bloody at that place."
The Cheyenne was not bluffing. He said just what he meant, and I presume the agent took the hint, for although the military were there they did not undertake to prevent the Indians' departure. Next morning the teepees were pulled down early and quickly. Toward evening of the second day, the scouts signaled the approach of troops. Little Wolf called his men together and advised them under no circumstances to fire until fired upon. An Arapahoe scout was sent to them with a message. "If you surrender now, you will get your rations and be well treated." After what they had endured, it was impossible not to hear such a promise with contempt.
Said Little Wolf: "We are going back to our own country. We do not want to fight." He was riding still nearer when the soldiers fired, and at a signal the Cheyennes made a charge. They succeeded in holding off the troops for two days, with only five men wounded and none killed, and when the military retreated the Indians continued northward carrying their wounded. This sort of thing was repeated again and again. Meanwhile Little Wolf held his men under perfect control. There were practically no depredations. They secured some boxes of ammunition left behind by retreating troops, and at one point the young men were eager to follow and destroy an entire command who were apparently at their mercy, but their leader withheld them.
They had now reached the buffalo country, and he always kept his main object in sight. He was extraordinarily calm. Doctor Grinnell was told by one of his men years afterward: "Little Wolf did not seem like a human being. He seemed like a bear." It is true that a man of his type in a crisis becomes spiritually transformed and moves as one in a dream. At the Running Water the band divided, Dull
Knife going toward Red Cloud agency. He was near Fort Robinson when he surrendered and met his sad fate.
Little Wolf remained all winter in the Sand Hills, where there was plenty of game and no white men. Later he went to Montana and then to Pine Ridge, where he and his people remained in peace until they were removed to Lame Deer, Montana, and there he spent the remainder of his days. There is a clear sky beyond the clouds of racial prejudice, and in that final Court of Honor a noble soul like that of Little Wolf has a place.