Leaders who became Chief's

Many Horns
Dakota Sioux

Many Horns was a 'band chief'. He was neither elected nor inherited this position but earnt it through respect, wealth, generosity, courage and wisdom. His position allowed him to lead his people but not to give commands. Problems and decisions were settled by the men debating and deciding democratically. The Sioux wee the largest tribe and spread across the northern plains with many sub-divisions such as the Teton, Wiciyela and Santee Sioux. There were also sub-tribes like the Oglala and Hunkpapa who produced many great chiefs.

Wolf Robe 1841-1909
Southern Cheyenne

Wolf Robe was in a hunting party, which was led by White Leaf, when they were attacked by soldiers. Before they could make good their escape Wolf Robe recognized that they were in fact Pawnee dressed as soldiers. The Pawnees had for many years acted as scouts for the US Army in their fight against most tribes.

Chief Gall
Hunkpapa Sioux

Gall was orphaned when he was very young and was brought up by his guardian Tatanka Yotanka-better known as Sitting Bull. As a young man Gall achieved a considerable reputation as a good hunter and warrior. Together with Crazy Horse of the Oglala Sioux chief Gall led his Hunkpapa Sioux at the battle of the Little Big Horn. Gall checked Major Reno's advance across the river by chasing them into the woods. On June 25th 1876 Gall carried out a frontal attack on Custer's column and completely wiped out the whole command and the 7th Cavalry.

Plenty Coup
Crow Tribe

Although there are several 'coups' by which a warrior can achieve status Plenty Coup received his through his moral worth, courage, ability to lead and make decisions. A 'cop' is when a warrior touches the enemy in battle. Plenty Coup was allowed to marry and have the title of Warrior after one coup. Many of the Crow were US Army scouts and Plenty Coup advised his warriors to fight on the side of the army against the Sioux, as he felt the 'soldier chiefs' would win and his deeds be rewarded.

Buffalo Bull
Pawnee

Pawnees were a confederacy of four tribes, all using the Caddoan language-Grand Pawnee, Kitkehanki, Tapage and Skiri. Pawnees had, for plains Indians, a most unusual hair style in that their hair was stiffened with paint and fat and curved back like a comb at the centre of the head with the rest shaved. Other tribes named them Pawnee which means 'horn'. Pawnees referred to themselves as 'men of men'. In battle Pawnees fought with few clothes as it was unlucky for any cloth to enter their bodies by arrow, lance or bullet.