Great Native American Chiefs

Curated by Sherry Andrews & Michele Jones, Information Resource Assistant Seniors, University of Michigan Library.

Introduction

This online exhibit recognizes eight historical Native American Chiefs throughout the United States. These Native American leaders and their tribes have always fought to preserve their lands and traditional ways of life.The history of these peoples are saturated with numerous battles  which have brought defeats as well as hard fought victories. These are glimpses, highlights of the cultural and spiritual conflicts of Native Americans which arose with the arrival of European settlers. Each chief’s tale is but one chronicle of Native American struggles in the United States.

Great Native American Chiefs gives a brief snapshot of Native American leaders and their campaigns to successfully preserve lands, traditions and customs. Many chiefs and tribes are still present in today’s society throughout the United States and Canada. Native American history has influenced American culture, and has brought rich spiritual and cultural traditions which continue today.