Chief Gall – Aggressive Sioux Leader

By Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa), 1918

Chief Gall, known for his imposing physique and unwavering resolve, stands as a prominent figure in the history of the Sioux Nation’s resistance against the relentless westward expansion of the United States. In the annals of Native American history, he is remembered as one of the most aggressive leaders during the Sioux’s final struggle to preserve their freedom and way of life.

The encroachment of civilization upon the ancestral lands of Native Americans spanned centuries, gaining significant momentum after the European "discovery" of the Americas. Prior to this, indigenous peoples had inhabited the continent for millennia, developing distinct cultures, societies, and philosophies. Among these were ideals of liberty and equality, communal land ownership, and a deep respect for the natural world. This holistic approach to life fostered the development of remarkable individuals, characters forged in the crucible of a unique social and spiritual landscape.

Both Native Americans and white settlers recognized Chief Gall as an embodiment of physical prowess and masculine strength. Examining historical photographs, one can discern the imposing figure that commanded respect and admiration. His very presence exuded authority, reflecting the inner strength and unwavering spirit that defined his leadership.

Let us now delve into the life and experiences of this remarkable leader. Chief Gall was no stranger to hardship; he never sought preferential treatment or shied away from challenges. He adhered to a strict code of conduct, playing the game of life with unwavering determination. Like any human being, he was not without flaws, but his actions were consistently guided by a deep sense of honor and courage, traits deeply ingrained in his identity as a Native American warrior.

Early accounts of his life provide glimpses into the nascent qualities that would later define his leadership. Even in his youth, the spirit of the man was evident in the boy.

When he was approximately three years old, the Blackfeet band of the Sioux embarked on their customary nomadic hunt, following the movements of the buffalo across the vast prairies of the Dakotas. The traditional lifestyle of the Sioux involved a close relationship with the land and its resources, their lives dictated by the seasonal migrations of the buffalo herds.

Sioux mothers routinely arranged their household belongings on dogs and pack ponies, distributing the burden as needed and often assisting other women whose animals had perished or been lost in raids by rival tribes like the Crow. On one particular occasion, the mother of the young Matohinshda, meaning "Bear-Shedding-His-Hair," (the childhood name of Chief Gall) entrusted her son to the care of an experienced Eskimo pack dog, known for its reliability except in moments of extreme excitement or thirst.

As the camp broke and moved along the Powder River, women were busily engaged in digging teepsinna, a sweet and nutritious root that served as a staple food source. The procession stretched across the wide tableland, creating a broad trail as the village slowly advanced. Suddenly, a jackrabbit, having lingered too long in its hiding place, found itself surrounded by the moving mass of people and animals. Startled, it bolted from its cover, its long ears a defiant challenge to the dogs and the people.

A collective shout erupted as every dog instinctively responded to the challenge. Bundles, equipment, and even infants were momentarily forgotten as the dogs surged forward in pursuit. The cries of the women echoed off the cliffs lining the Powder River, mingling with the barking of dogs and the neighing of horses. All attention was focused on the daring jackrabbit, Lone Jack, as chaos reigned.

The fleeing rabbit, with remarkable speed, pulled ahead. His pursuers trailed behind in a stretched formation. First the fleetest, unburdened dogs, and then the dogs pulling travois, including the old Eskimo dog burdened with its precious cargo of the youthful Gall. The boy was secured in a travois, a basket mounted on trailing poles harnessed to the dog’s sides.

"Hey! Hey! They are gaining on him!" a warrior shouted. At that critical moment, two dogs were poised to seize the rabbit. But the jackrabbit was too cunning. He dropped suddenly, sending the dogs tumbling head over heels, and then darted off at a right angle. This gave the Eskimo dog an opportunity to cut across the triangle, gaining a significant advantage. However, hampered by the travois, he was soon overtaken by two unladen dogs. The jackrabbit repeated its maneuver, narrowly escaping death by executing a double loop, now running directly towards the crowd with a dozen dogs in pursuit. Although its speed was waning, the pursuers steadily dropped out. Only the sturdy Eskimo dog maintained its pace. Behind him, in the frail travois, young Matohinshda leaned forward, his left hand gripping the dog’s tail, his right hand clutching one of the travois poles. His eyes bulged, his long hair streamed behind him like a dark river.

The jackrabbit ran directly toward the spectators, its speed diminishing. Its pursuer, a dog seasoned in such chases, pressed onward with unwavering determination. In a final burst of effort, the jackrabbit attempted to disappear into the crowd, but the dog, with unerring accuracy, leaped and seized the rabbit in its jaws, victoriously holding it aloft.

The crowd surged forward, among them Matohinshda’s frantic mother. "Michinkshe! michinkshe!" (My son! My son!) she cried. The boy appeared unharmed. "Mother!" he exclaimed, "my dog is brave; he got the rabbit!" He struggled free from her embrace to gaze upon his dog with admiration. Old men and boys gathered around the hero of the day, the dog, while Matohinshda’s grandmother unharnessed the animal and offered it water from a parfleche bag. "Here, my grandson, give your friend something to drink."

"How, hechetu," an old warrior remarked. "This may seem like a trivial event, but such things can foreshadow a person’s future. The boy has had a remarkable ride. I predict that he will one day command the attention of all the people with his deeds."

This anecdote is one of the earliest remembered stories about the future Chief Gall, but other childhood exploits further foreshadowed the man he was destined to become. He participated in numerous mock battles, sometimes victorious, sometimes not, but always displaying fierce determination and graciousness in defeat.

In one such incident, he engaged in a snowball fight involving hundreds of boys. The rule was simple: a direct hit constituted an official "kill," rendering the recipient unable to continue.

Gall’s side was rapidly losing ground, and the intensity of the battle escalated. The young warrior strategically moved toward an old water hole and established his position there. His side was soon decimated, leaving him alone against eleven opponents.

Cornered in the wash-out, he dodged beneath cover just as a volley of snowballs came hurtling towards him. Suddenly, a large gray wolf emerged from the same spot.

His opponents scattered in superstitious terror, believing he had transformed into an animal. To their astonishment, he reappeared on the other side and ran to safety, victorious!

Unbeknownst to the boys, a wolf’s den had been partially concealed by snow. The noise of the snowball fight had startled the wolf, causing it to flee its den. The boys interpreted this incident as an omen.

Chief Gall possessed an amiable disposition but was quick to defend himself against insults or injustice. This sometimes led to conflicts, but he rarely fought without justification and was generally well-liked by his peers. One of his defining characteristics was his ability to organize, a crucial attribute that would later prove invaluable in his leadership. He faced numerous trials throughout his life and never hesitated when faced with challenges to his physical courage and endurance. He entered public service early in life, but only after demonstrating his competence and passing all the necessary tests.

As a young man scouting for game in the dead of winter, far from camp, he was caught in a three-day blizzard. Forced to abandon his horse, he sought shelter under the snow for the duration of the storm. He later recounted that he was not particularly hungry, but suffered greatly from thirst and stiffness. The deep bond between Native Americans and their horses or dogs was evident in such circumstances, as the animals would remain by their side like loyal companions. On this occasion, Gall’s pony was just a short distance away when the storm abated and the sun emerged. With a herd of buffalo in sight, the young hunter quickly secured a meal.

Contemporaries of Chief Gall recall his wrestling match with the equally powerful Cheyenne youth, Roman Nose, who later became a prominent chief in American history. It was customary among friendly tribes in the Northwest to engage in athletic competitions to establish the physical prowess of their respective youths.

The "Che-hoo-hoo" was a wrestling game involving equal numbers of participants on each side. The boys from each camp were assembled by a designated leader and lined up in battle formation. At a signal, each boy would attack his opponent.

In this memorable contest, Matohinshda, or Gall, was matched against Roman Nose. The entire community gathered as spectators, the battlefield being a plateau situated between the two camps amidst the dramatic scenery of the Badlands. Many athletic youths were present, but these two were considered the most impressive physical specimens of their respective tribes.

The rules of this particular wrestling match prohibited striking with the hand, grasping around the neck, kicking, or pulling hair. Participants could break away and run to regain momentum, or clinch and grapple as best they could. A boy was eliminated when thrown and held to the ground. While it was acceptable to drop to the ground to avoid a severe fall, it was rare for a competitor to concede defeat without a determined struggle.

The enthusiasm was palpable, with shouts of encouragement from both sides creating a deafening chorus. Eventually, all but Gall and Roman Nose had been defeated. The two appeared equally matched, stripped to their breechcloths, they strained and struggled like young buffalo or elk during mating season, their bodies twisting and contorting like serpents. At times, they resembled wild stallions, every muscle in their arms, legs, and backs engaged in the contest. Occasionally, one would lift the other off his feet, only to be brought back down firmly, swaying momentarily before regaining his rigid stance.

All eyes were fixed on the champions. Finally, through skill or sheer force, Gall threw Roman Nose to the ground and held him there for a brief moment before releasing him and standing erect, a victorious youth. A resounding cheer erupted from the Sioux side of the camp. Roman Nose’s mother stepped forward and draped a beautifully crafted buffalo robe over Gall, while Gall’s mother reciprocated by covering the young Cheyenne with a handsome blanket.

These early contests undoubtedly influenced the future career of Chief Gall. He had a knack for appearing at critical moments, taking command of the situation with dramatic flair. A prime example is his arrival during Reno’s surprise attack on the Sioux at the Little Bighorn. Many young, inexperienced warriors rushed headlong into the fray, but Gall, naked and atop his black charger, dashed ahead, halting their advance.

"Hold hard, men! Steady, we are not ready yet! Wait for more guns and horses; the day is yours!"

They obeyed his command, and soon after, the signal to charge was given, resulting in Reno’s hasty retreat.

Sitting Bull held unwavering confidence in his men as long as Gall was planning and directing the attack, whether against U.S. soldiers or rival tribes. He was a skilled strategist, adept at recognizing and exploiting advantages. He was the backbone of Sitting Bull’s effective resistance. He consistently advocated for his people’s rights to their buffalo plains, insisting that the government adhere to its agreements. When the Treaty of 1868 was violated, he joined Sitting Bull in defending the last remnants of their once vast territory. After the Battle of the Little Bighorn, he followed his chief into Canada, hoping to appeal to the British government, but was disappointed when asked to return to the United States.

Gall eventually surrendered at Fort Peck, Montana, in 1881, bringing half of the Hunkpapa band with him. Sitting Bull soon followed. Despite promises of amnesty by the U.S. commission, Gall’s people were attacked soon after their return, and in the spring, they were taken to Fort Randall and held as military prisoners before being returned to the Standing Rock Agency.

When "Buffalo Bill" launched his Wild West show, he sought to recruit both Sitting Bull and Gall as star attractions. Military authorities supported this, still harboring suspicions about the two leaders. While Sitting Bull reluctantly agreed, Gall refused, declaring, "I am not an animal to be exhibited before the crowd." He retreated to his teepee, his spirit broken. His physical and mental strength declined, and he died a few years later. Chief Gall was a true hero of a free and natural people, a type that is unlikely to be seen again.