Little Wolf – Courageous Leader of the Cheyenne
The vast plains of North America have witnessed the rise and fall of numerous cultures, each leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of history. Among these, the Cheyenne stand out as a people fiercely dedicated to liberty and justice, their legacy etched in the annals of courage and resilience. At the forefront of this remarkable nation stood Little Wolf, a leader whose name became synonymous with bravery, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to his people.
This is a story pieced together from historical accounts and personal recollections, most notably through the writings of Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa), a physician who served the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne at the Pine Ridge Agency in 1890. Eastman’s intimate understanding of the Cheyenne, coupled with his access to firsthand accounts, provides a valuable lens through which to examine the life and legacy of Little Wolf. While Eastman himself acknowledges the importance of George Bird Grinnell’s "The Fighting Cheyennes" as a definitive source on the Cheyenne’s struggle, his personal anecdotes and observations offer a unique perspective on the character and leadership of this remarkable man.
Little Wolf, as Eastman knew him, was a figure of striking presence. Described as a handsome man, he possessed a natural dignity and gentleness, qualities often found in the great leaders of his time. His voice was musical, his demeanor pleasant, and his overall bearing commanded respect. Eastman, curious about the chief’s life, often sought reminiscences of his early years. Though initially reluctant to share, Little Wolf’s story, as pieced together by friends and observers, revealed a character shaped by compassion and foresight.
One such story recounts a winter of scarcity, when Little Wolf was just a boy. His mother, having saved a small piece of buffalo meat, presented it to him, cautioning that he would face even harder times in the future. However, before he could eat, a starving dog snatched the meat and fled. While his mother caught the dog, intending to punish it, young Little Wolf intervened, stating that the dog was hungrier than he was. This act of empathy, even in the face of his own hunger, foreshadowed the compassion that would define his leadership.
Another tale speaks of his resilience in the face of harsh conditions. As a young buffalo hunter caught in a blinding blizzard, Little Wolf found himself and his companions struggling to survive the freezing temperatures. Displaying remarkable selflessness, he gave his own warm buffalo robe to an elderly man shivering with cold, taking the man’s thin blanket for himself. These early experiences molded him, demonstrating a deep-seated concern for the well-being of others.
His courage was not limited to acts of kindness. As a young man, he won the heart of a maiden desired by a powerful chief who had already given many presents to her parents. Despite the chief’s intentions and the presents accepted by the parents, the young woman’s heart belonged to Little Wolf. When the disappointed chief threatened retribution, Little Wolf bravely confronted him, declaring that he had done nothing wrong and challenging the chief to a duel, a fight to the death. His unwavering stance and willingness to defend his love ultimately led the chief to apologize, avoiding bloodshed and solidifying Little Wolf’s reputation as a man of courage and principle.
These early experiences served as a prelude to the most significant chapter in Little Wolf’s life: the Cheyenne’s desperate flight from the Indian Territory to their northern homeland. This tragic journey, driven by starvation, disease, and broken promises, tested the limits of human endurance. The Cheyenne had been relocated from their traditional lands in Montana and North Dakota to the hot, humid climate of the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). Accustomed to a diet of buffalo and other game, they found themselves in a land where these resources were scarce. They were ill-equipped to cope with the new environment and the diseases that plagued it.
According to Dr. Grinnell’s account, the government-provided food was inadequate, and the Cheyenne suffered greatly. After enduring these hardships for a year, they resolved to return to their northern home. Despite the presence of troops, they openly declared their intention to leave, refusing to conceal their desperation.
Little Wolf, a man still relatively young at around thirty-five, emerged as the key strategist and leader of this exodus. Facing overwhelming odds, he guided his people northward, navigating a landscape teeming with soldiers determined to force them back. The story of this journey, though less widely known than the march of the Nez Perce under Chief Joseph, is considered remarkable. The Cheyenne, numbering around three hundred, with only sixty or seventy fighting men, were pursued by an estimated thirteen thousand troops.
The Cheyenne’s strategy was one of resilience and determination. When attacked, they fought fiercely, driving back the soldiers before resuming their northward trek. When possible, they avoided conflict, prioritizing the safety of their people.
Before resorting to this desperate measure, Little Wolf had attempted to reason with the authorities. He approached the agent, explaining the dire situation and requesting permission to return to their homeland. When the agent requested that they wait another year, Little Wolf recognized that the delay would be a death sentence for his people. He knew that immediate action was necessary.
His resolve was further tested when three Cheyenne men disappeared, and the agent demanded ten hostages for their return. Little Wolf refused, recognizing the futility of the demand and the certainty that the hostages would never be released. When the agent threatened to withhold rations, Little Wolf delivered a powerful and defiant speech, making it clear that the Cheyenne would not be starved into submission. He declared his intention to return to his own country and warned the agent to allow them some distance before sending soldiers after them.
The Cheyenne’s journey north was marked by repeated confrontations with the military. Little Wolf consistently advised his men to avoid firing unless fired upon. Even when provoked, he maintained a remarkable level of control, preventing unnecessary violence and ensuring the safety of his people.
At the Running Water, the Cheyenne band split, with Dull Knife leading his group toward the Red Cloud Agency, where they ultimately surrendered near Fort Robinson and met a tragic fate. Little Wolf, however, continued northward, spending the winter in the Sand Hills, where game was plentiful and white men were scarce. He later led his people to Montana and eventually to Pine Ridge, where they remained in peace until their relocation to Lame Deer, Montana, where Little Wolf spent the remainder of his days.
Little Wolf’s life was a testament to courage, compassion, and unwavering leadership. He faced adversity with resilience, fought for the rights of his people, and ultimately secured a place for them in their homeland. Beyond the prejudices of the time, his noble soul shines as an example of a true leader who placed the well-being of his people above all else. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of fighting for justice and preserving the cultural heritage of all people.