Buzz
Long before European settlers arrived, Native Americans had firmly established themselves across the expansive territories of America. Initially, the newcomers approached the indigenous peoples with a mix of fear, caution, and cautious optimism, forming what they believed to be strong alliances. Sadly, these bonds were short-lived, as disease and the settlers' relentless pursuit of land decimated the Native Americans' way of life. Over time, many of these wrongs have been acknowledged, and efforts toward reconciliation have been made. Today, the legacy of these original inhabitants and their invaluable contributions remains etched in history. In celebration of Thanksgiving, here are 15 remarkable Native American heroes.
15. Red Cloud 1822–1909
Makhpiya Luta, known as Red Cloud, was one of the most formidable warriors of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) tribe, challenging the U.S. military with unmatched skill. He spearheaded Red Cloud’s War, a fierce struggle for control over the Powder River Country in northern Wyoming and southern Montana. Later, he guided his people through the challenges of reservation life, leaving an indelible mark on history.
14. Cochise 1815–1874
Pronounced “K-you Ch-Ish,” this revered Apache chief stands as one of the most influential figures in his tribe’s history, surpassed only by Geronimo. Known for his imposing stature, Cochise was muscular and taller than average for his era, often seen with his signature long, black hair tied in a traditional ponytail. He played a pivotal role in leading resistance efforts against Mexican and American encroachments during the 1800s.
13. Maria Tallchief 1925–2013
Elizabeth Marie “Betty” Tallchief, born to an Osage Nation father, rose to fame as a celebrated ballerina and is recognized as America’s first prominent prima ballerina. From 1947 to 1965, she performed with the New York City Ballet before retiring. Later, she established the Chicago City Ballet, serving as its artistic director for years. Since 1997, she has mentored aspiring dancers in Chicago-area schools, showcasing her timeless talent, and was highlighted in a PBS special from 2007 to 2010.
12. Squanto 1581–1622
Tisquantum, known as Squanto, a member of the Patuxet tribe, played a crucial role in aiding the Pilgrims during their first brutal winter, ensuring their survival until spring. In 1608, Squanto and others were captured by George Weymouth and taken to England. Despite building a life there and mastering English, he returned home in 1613 on John Smith’s ship, only to discover his tribe had been devastated by disease.
11. Crazy Horse 1840–1877
Thasuka Witko, known as Crazy Horse, was given the name “Cha-O-Ha” at birth, meaning “In the Wilderness” in Lakota. Often called Curly due to his hair, he became a legendary figure. During the Great Sioux War of 1876, Crazy Horse led a coalition of 1,500 Lakota and Cheyenne warriors in a surprise assault on General George Crook’s forces, which included 1,000 soldiers and 300 Crow and Shoshone allies. Though casualties were minimal, the battle disrupted Crook’s plans to join General Custer, contributing to Custer’s defeat at Little Bighorn. Crazy Horse fiercely resisted U.S. government policies on Native American affairs.
10. Sacajawea 1788–1812
Sacajawea, born Agaidika or “Salmon Eater” in the Shoshone tribe, is best known for guiding Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their Corps of Discovery expedition in 1806. In February 1805, shortly after meeting the explorers, Lewis helped deliver her son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Today, her legacy is honored with her image on the U.S. dollar coin.
9. Chief Joseph 1840–1904
A revered leader of the Nez Perce tribe in the Pacific Northwest, Chief Joseph is most famous for his role in the Nez Perce War of 1877. When white settlers encroached on Nez Perce lands, he refused to sign a treaty relocating his people to an Idaho reservation. Instead, he led his people on a courageous escape, evading the U.S. Army until they were captured just 40 miles from the Canadian border. His poignant surrender speech marked the end of their resistance, and his tribe was relocated to a reservation in Washington. Chief Joseph passed away in 1904, never returning to his cherished homeland in Oregon’s Wallowa Valley.
8. Pontiac 1720–1769
Obwandiyag, known as Chief Pontiac, is celebrated for his resistance against British forces in the Great Lakes region during the 18th century. In 1763, he led 300 warriors in a surprise attack on Fort Detroit, which later grew into a larger rebellion involving over 900 Native Americans. This culminated in the capture of the fort during the Battle of Bloody Run. Despite his historical significance, debates persist about his true role—whether he was a leader or a follower. Increasingly isolated, Pontiac was ultimately assassinated by a Peoria tribesman in Illinois in 1769.
7. Geronimo 1829–1909
Geronimo, whose name in Chiricahua means “one who yawns” (often spelled Goyathlay or Goyahkla), was a revered leader of the Chiricahua Apache. For over 25 years, he fiercely resisted U.S. expansion onto Apache lands. Though not a chief by title, he served as a military and spiritual leader, organizing raids against Mexican and American forces. Geronimo married six wives, following Apache tradition, and led the final major Native American uprising before settling on a reservation. Later in life, he made appearances at fairs and schools, sharing his story.
6. Tecumseh 1768–1813
Tecumseh, whose name translates to “Panther in the Sky,” was a Shawnee leader renowned for uniting various tribes to defend their ancestral lands. In 1805, a spiritual revival led by Tenskwatawa encouraged Native Americans to reject European influences and resist land cessions to the United States. This movement clashed with the efforts of Shawnee leader Black Hoof, who advocated for peaceful coexistence with the U.S. By 1808, escalating tensions forced Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh to relocate northwest, where they founded Prophetstown near Battle Ground, Indiana. Tecumseh’s life came to an end during the War of 1812.
5. Sitting Bull 1831–1890
Sitting Bull, originally named Slon-he (meaning “slow”), was a Hunkpapa Lakota medicine man and spiritual leader. He is celebrated in history for his pivotal role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, where his vision of defeating General Custer’s forces came true. A symbol of Native American resistance and culture, Sitting Bull remains one of the most iconic figures in Native American history.
4. Black Hawk 1767–1838
Although not a conventional tribal chief, Black Hawk gained prominence as a War Chief despite inheriting a significant medicine bundle. His name, Makataimeshekiakiak, translates to “Be a large black hawk” in the Sauk language. During the War of 1812, Black Hawk—a shortened version of his name—emerged as a formidable adversary, initially siding with the British. Later, he led a group of Sauk and Fox warriors against settlers in Illinois and Wisconsin, ultimately passing away in Iowa. While many, like Jim Thorpe, claim direct descent from him, these connections are largely mythical.
3. Hiawatha c. 1540
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “The Song of Hiawatha” draws inspiration from a real Native American figure. While historical details about Hiawatha are scarce, he is celebrated as a peacemaker and spiritual leader of the Onondaga tribe, credited with founding the Iroquois Confederacy. Longfellow’s poetic rendition remains widely recognized, and more about his work can be explored here.
Notable Omissions: Will Rogers, Tatonka, Robbie Robertson, Standing Bear
2. Pocahontas 1595–1617
Disney’s portrayal of Pocahontas has shaped popular perception, though it strays far from historical accuracy. While the film takes creative liberties, it contains fragments of truth. Pocahontas, born Matoaka and nicknamed for her playful demeanor, was the daughter of Chief Powhatan, ruler of a vast tribal region in Virginia. She married English settler John Rolfe, gained fame in London, and adopted the name Rebecca Rolfe, leaving behind her Native American roots in her final years.
1. Sequoiah 1767–1843
Despite uncertainties surrounding his birth and death due to historical inaccuracies, Sequoyah is widely recognized through oral and written accounts as having been raised by his mother in Tuskegee, Tennessee. Known as George Guess, Guest, or Gist, Sequoyah (S-si-quo-ya in Cherokee) was a skilled silversmith who created the Cherokee Syllabary, securing his place among the world’s inventors of writing systems.
