Native American Leaders

Pocatello, Shoshone Leader

1840

1815 – October 1884
Pocatello was able to lead his people out of harm's way from the Army,avoiding the catastrophe of the Bear River Massacre.
In 1868, the Shoshone relocated to Fort Hall Indian Reservation.
In 1875, faced with starvation among his people, he led his people to the Mormon missionary farm of George Hill in order to be converted to Mormonism in hopes that it would alleviate his people's suffering.

Tecopa (Paiute Leader)

1840

1815–1904
Tecopa and his warriors fought the expedition of Kit Carson and John C. Fremont in a three-day battle at Resting Springs. He later decided to try to keep peace with the white settlers and was known as a peacemaker. Tecopa usually wore a bright red band suit with gold braid and a silk top hat, when they were ruined, white miners would replace them out of gratitude for Tecopa.

Washakie, Shoshone Leader

1840

1804-1900
Washakie's tribe participated in the fur trade rendezvous. He and Jim Bridger,a mountain man, became fast friends. His prowess in battle, his efforts for peace, and his commitment to his people's welfare made him one of the most respected leaders in Native American history.

Ouray, Ute Leader

1860

1833 - 08/24/1880
When his father died, Ouray, age 27, became Chief of the Ute tribe. He was known as a great indian leader because he was a "friend to the white man and protector to the Indians." He made a treaty with settlers of present-day Utah and because of this was called the mane of peace.

Manuelito, Navajo Leader

1864

1818–1893
War chief of the Diné or Navajo people near Bears Ears, Utah. He led the Navajo people in resisting being removed from their land by the U.S. Military. He advocated for educating the young Navajo children. He also signed the 1868 treaty, ending a period of imprisonment for the Native Americans in the U.S..