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Pizi
Chief Gall
Hunkpapa Lakota
(ca. 1840-1895)
Chief Gall, or Pizi in Lakota, meaning “Man Who Goes in the Middle,” was a prominent war leader of the Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux. He is remembered as a key strategist and field commander, particularly renowned for his role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. To Anglo Americans, he is best known as Chief Gall. This article explores the life and legacy of this influential figure, from his early years and rise to prominence to his complex relationship with Sitting Bull and his eventual adaptation to reservation life.
Born around 1840 along the banks of the Moreau River in what is now South Dakota, the early life of Chief Gall is shrouded in some mystery. Raised as an orphan, details about his parents are scarce. A defining moment in his childhood led to his most recognized name. As a young, hungry boy, he reportedly attempted to consume the gall bladder of an animal. This unusual act resulted in the name Pizi, which stuck with him throughout his life. Later, he was given the name Matohinsa, translating to “Bear Shedding His Hair,” but it was Pizi that resonated and became synonymous with his identity.
Growing into adulthood, Gall’s prowess as a warrior became evident. He actively participated in numerous battles fought by various Dakota bands under the leadership of the esteemed Red Cloud. These conflicts were largely driven by resistance to the encroaching presence of settlers and the U.S. government’s policies aimed at confining Native American tribes to reservations. The Treaty of 1868, intended to establish peace and define territorial boundaries, was a point of contention. Chief Gall was among those who vehemently opposed the treaty’s provisions, specifically the requirement for all Dakota Indians to return to designated reservations. He viewed this as an unacceptable infringement upon their freedom and way of life.
His defiance and leadership qualities caught the attention of Sitting Bull, a highly respected spiritual leader and war chief of the Hunkpapa Lakota. Sitting Bull adopted Chief Gall as a younger brother, forging a strong bond that would shape their destinies. Gall subsequently rose through the ranks to become a respected war chief in his own right. This period, however, was not without its challenges. Gall was falsely accused of murder, leading to the U.S. Army placing a bounty on his head. Seeking to clear his name and protest the unjust accusation, Gall ventured into Fort Berthold. Instead of receiving a fair hearing, he was seized, brutally bayoneted, and left for dead. Miraculously, he survived the ordeal, managing to crawl away and recover. This harrowing experience fueled his resentment and resolve, leading him to retaliate by targeting the Bozeman Expedition and engaging in several devastating raids against those he perceived as his oppressors.
The year 1876 marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Lakota and the United States. Sitting Bull, Chief Gall, and their warriors converged in a massive encampment along the Little Bighorn River. This gathering represented perhaps the largest single assembly of Native American forces ever witnessed on the Northern Plains. On June 25th, the tranquility of the encampment was shattered when troops under the command of General George Armstrong Custer and Major Marcus Reno launched an attack. Chief Gall responded swiftly and decisively, turning the flank of Reno’s men and forcing them into a retreat. He then joined forces with Crazy Horse, another renowned Lakota war leader, to encircle Custer’s cavalry, resulting in the complete annihilation of Custer’s command. The Battle of the Little Bighorn became a symbol of Native American resistance, but also a catalyst for increased military pressure and the eventual erosion of their way of life.
Following the victory at Little Bighorn, Gall initially pursued Reno’s retreating detachment. However, upon realizing that the main body of the U.S. forces was approaching the scene, he returned to the main encampment. Recognizing the overwhelming strength of the approaching army, the encampment was dismantled, and the various bands began a retreat northward. After engaging in several skirmishes with the pursuing Army, Chief Gall, Sitting Bull, and their followers successfully escaped into Canada, seeking refuge from the relentless pursuit.
Life in Canada proved to be exceptionally challenging. The harsh winters took a toll on the refugees, and many became disheartened by the constant struggle for survival. After four years of exile, Gall, along with Crow Chief and others, made the difficult decision to denounce Sitting Bull and return to the United States. They eventually settled at the Standing Rock Reservation, a turning point in their lives as they began the process of adapting to a new reality.
In 1881, Chief Gall made a significant shift in his approach, reconciling himself to the authority of the U.S. government. He embraced a new way of life, becoming a farmer and actively participating in the agricultural practices promoted by the reservation system. He also developed a friendship with James McLaughlin, an Indian Agent who held considerable influence on the reservation. McLaughlin played a crucial role in persuading Gall to support the education of Dakota children, believing that it was essential for their future survival and success in a changing world.
When Sitting Bull eventually returned from Canada in 1881, the relationship between the two leaders became strained. Chief Gall openly opposed Sitting Bull’s policies, accusing him of cowardice and a reluctance to embrace the new realities. Gall had come to the conclusion that further armed resistance was futile and that cooperation with the U.S. government was the only viable path forward. This was a time of relative peace on the reservation, and Gall’s wisdom and honesty earned him the respect of both the white community and his own people. He was appointed as a judge of the Court of Indian Affairs in 1889, further solidifying his position as a leader within the reservation community. In the same year, he played a crucial role in securing the ratification of the last agreement with the Dakota Indians. This agreement, however, resulted in the breakup of the Great Sioux Reservation into several smaller parcels, with some of the lands being ceded to the white settlers.
During his later years, Chief Gall served as an envoy to Washington, D.C., representing the interests of his tribe and advocating for their well-being. He enjoyed a position of considerable prestige and influence until his death on December 5, 1895, at Oak Creek, South Dakota, at the age of 54. His life was a complex tapestry of resistance, adaptation, and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Lakota people and the American West.
Source:
Dockstader, Frederick J. Great North American Indians: Profiles in Life and Leadership. New York, NY: Litton Educational Publishing, Inc., 1977.
Photograph by Charles M. Bell, Washington, D.C., 1880; courtesy of the South Dakota Historical Society.
