Etokeah, more widely known as Chief Hump, was a prominent Minniconjou Lakota war chief who played a significant role in the turbulent history of the 19th-century conflicts between the Lakota people and the United States government. While the exact details of his birth and parentage remain shrouded in the mists of time, his emergence as a leader in 1866 marked the beginning of a distinguished and influential career. This article explores the life and legacy of Chief Hump, a figure whose actions and decisions shaped the course of Lakota history during a period of immense change and upheaval.
The Minniconjou, a division of the Lakota Sioux, traditionally inhabited the vast plains stretching across present-day South Dakota and surrounding areas. Like other Lakota bands, their lives revolved around the buffalo, which provided sustenance, clothing, and shelter. Their society was deeply rooted in a warrior culture, where bravery and skill in battle were highly valued. It was within this context that Etokeah, or Chief Hump, rose to prominence.
His initial claim to fame came in 1866, during Red Cloud’s War, a conflict ignited by the US Army’s construction of forts along the Bozeman Trail, which cut through crucial Lakota hunting grounds. Chief Hump led a daring charge against Captain William Fetterman’s detachment of soldiers outside Fort Phil Kearney in Wyoming. This engagement, known as the Fetterman Fight or the Fetterman Massacre, resulted in the complete annihilation of Fetterman’s force, a resounding victory for the Lakota and their allies. This successful military endeavor catapulted Chief Hump into the spotlight, solidifying his reputation as a capable and fearless war leader.
Unlike some other Lakota leaders, Chief Hump refused to sign the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868. This treaty, intended to establish peace between the Lakota and the US government, ceded a large portion of Lakota territory to the United States but also guaranteed the Lakota certain rights and a reservation. By refusing to sign, Chief Hump signaled his rejection of the treaty’s terms and his determination to resist further encroachment on Lakota lands. This decision led the US government to classify him as a "hostile" or "non-treaty" chief, further escalating tensions between him and the authorities.
Throughout the 1870s, Chief Hump continued to be a staunch defender of Lakota sovereignty, fighting alongside other renowned leaders such as Crazy Horse and Red Cloud. He became a trusted comrade-in-arms, sharing their commitment to protecting their people’s way of life.
In 1876, the Great Sioux War erupted, triggered by the influx of white settlers into the Black Hills, a region sacred to the Lakota and guaranteed to them by the Treaty of Fort Laramie. Chief Hump played a crucial role in this conflict, leading his warriors into battle against Generals George Crook and George Custer.
Prior to the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn, Chief Hump and his Miniconjou warriors joined forces with Crazy Horse at the Battle of the Rosebud. This engagement saw them successfully check General Crook’s advance, preventing him from linking up with Custer’s forces. The Lakota and Cheyenne warriors fought with valor, demonstrating their tactical prowess and unwavering determination to defend their land.
At the Battle of the Little Bighorn itself, Chief Hump‘s participation was hampered by an unfortunate accident. As the alarm sounded, he mounted a horse that promptly threw him to the ground. Undeterred, he quickly remounted another horse and charged towards the soldiers. However, his new mount was soon shot from under him, the bullet also striking Chief Hump in the hip. This wound effectively sidelined him from the main battle, preventing him from playing a more significant role in the Lakota’s decisive victory.
Following the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the US Army intensified its efforts to subdue the Lakota. Facing relentless pursuit, Chief Hump and his band sought refuge in Canada, joining other Lakota groups who had fled across the border. However, the harsh conditions and dwindling resources eventually forced them to return to the United States, becoming the last Lakota band to surrender.
Upon their return, Chief Hump‘s band, like many other Lakota groups, became drawn to the Ghost Dance religion, a spiritual movement that promised the restoration of their traditional way of life and the removal of the white man. The Ghost Dance spread rapidly among the Lakota, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of immense hardship and cultural disruption.
Although Chief Hump seemingly never fully embraced the Ghost Dance as a devout believer, he recognized its importance to his people and led them in Ghost Dance ceremonies until December 1890. The US Army, fearful of the Ghost Dance’s potential to incite rebellion, responded with increasing hostility.
Seeking to de-escalate the situation, the Army sent Captain Ezra Ewers, an old acquaintance of Chief Hump, to convince him of the futility of armed resistance. Ewers’ arguments resonated with Chief Hump, who recognized the overwhelming power of the US military and the devastating consequences of further conflict. He made the difficult decision to separate his band from the Ghost Dancers and lead them to the Pine Ridge Agency, seeking refuge and protection.
As Chief Hump was preparing to move his band, refugees from Sitting Bull’s group arrived, bringing news of the leader’s death during an arrest attempt. These refugees, fueled by anger and a desire for revenge, sought to join forces with Chief Hump. However, Chief Hump, committed to his decision to seek peace, refused to offer assistance, and the refugees continued their journey towards Wounded Knee Creek, where they would tragically meet their fate.
The Wounded Knee Massacre, which occurred on December 29, 1890, marked a turning point in Lakota history. The brutal slaughter of unarmed Lakota men, women, and children by US soldiers shattered any remaining hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In the aftermath of the massacre, Chief Hump and other Lakota chiefs traveled to Washington, D.C., to plead for fair treatment of their people. They sought to address the injustices they had suffered and to secure a better future for their communities.
While some of their requests were granted, the chiefs failed to achieve significant concessions in other crucial areas. Reservation confinement continued, effectively ending the traditional Lakota way of life and forcing them to adapt to a new and unfamiliar existence.
Despite the challenges of reservation life, Chief Hump remained a respected and influential leader. Unlike some other tribes who readily adopted white dress and housing, Chief Hump‘s band settled at Cherry Creek in South Dakota and preserved their traditional ways, continuing to live in lodges and wear traditional clothing. In a time when the authority of other chiefs waned, Chief Hump continued to exert his leadership over his band, earning the respect and, according to some accounts, even the fear of the white authorities.
His influence extended beyond his own band. It is said that Chief Hump imparted essential warfare knowledge to his more famous student, Crazy Horse, shaping his skills and contributing to his legendary status.
Chief Hump passed away at Cherry Creek on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in December 1908, at the age of 70. He was laid to rest in the Episcopal Cemetery nearby, marking the end of an era.
Chief Hump‘s life was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Lakota people in the face of immense adversity. He was a skilled warrior, a respected leader, and a staunch defender of his people’s way of life. While his role in history may be overshadowed by figures such as Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, his contributions to the Lakota struggle for survival should not be forgotten. His legacy serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of the American West and the enduring spirit of the Lakota people.