Native American Leaders Throughout History

Charles Curtis, a Kaw Indian, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1907 and served until 1913. He was later elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served from 1915 to 1929. In 1929, he was elected Vice President of the United States, serving under President Herbert Hoover.

Dennis Banks, Russell Means, and Clyde Bellecourt were all co-founders of the American Indian Movement (AIM) in 1968. AIM was a militant organization that fought for the rights of Native Americans. It was involved in a number of high-profile protests, including the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973.

Jeannette Rankin, a Montana Republican, was the first woman elected to the United States Congress. She served in the House of Representatives from 1917 to 1921 and again from 1941 to 1943. Rankin was a strong advocate for peace and women's rights.

Sandra Day O'Connor was the first Native American to be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States. She served on the Court from 1981 to 2006. O'Connor was a moderate conservative who often cast the deciding vote in important cases.

Sitting Bull was the leader of the Black Hills Sioux during the Battle of Little Bighorn. He was a skilled warrior and a spiritual leader who played a key role in the victory over General George Custer and the 7th Cavalry.

Chief Joseph was the leader of the Nez Perce during the Nez Perce War. He was a skilled warrior and a gifted orator who led his people on a 1,170-mile retreat from the U.S. Army. Chief Joseph eventually surrendered to the Army, but he became a national hero for his bravery and leadership.

Geronimo was the leader of the Apache during the Apache Wars. He was a skilled warrior and a fierce opponent of the U.S. Army. Geronimo eventually surrendered to the Army, but he became a national symbol of Apache resistance.

Barboncito was the leader of the Navajo during the Navajo Wars. He was a skilled warrior and a wise leader who negotiated a peace treaty with the U.S. Army in 1868. The treaty allowed the Navajo to return to their homeland in Arizona and New Mexico.

Popé was the leader of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. He was a Tewa Indian who led a coalition of Pueblo tribes in a successful uprising against the Spanish. The Pueblo Revolt resulted in the expulsion of the Spanish from New Mexico for 12 years.

Pontiac was the leader of Pontiac's Rebellion. He was an Ottawa chief who led a coalition of Native American tribes in a series of attacks against British forts and settlements in the Ohio Valley. Pontiac's Rebellion was eventually defeated by the British, but it helped to raise awareness of the plight of Native Americans.

Metacomet, also known as King Philip, was the leader of Metacomet's War. He was a Wampanoag chief who led a coalition of Native American tribes in a series of attacks against English settlements in New England. Metacomet's War was eventually defeated by the English, but it had a devastating impact on both sides.

Hancock was the leader of the Tuscarora War. He was a Tuscarora chief who led a coalition of Native American tribes in a series of attacks against English settlements in North Carolina. The Tuscarora War was eventually defeated by the English, but it resulted in the Tuscarora being forced to move to New York.

Brims was the leader of the Yamasee War. He was a Yamasee chief who led a coalition of Native American tribes in a series of attacks against English settlements in South Carolina. The Yamasee War was eventually defeated by the English, but it resulted in the Yamasee being forced to move to Florida.

Grand Sun was the leader of the Natchez Revolt. He was a Natchez chief who led a coalition of Native American tribes in a series of attacks against French settlements in Louisiana. The Natchez Revolt was eventually defeated by the French, but it resulted in the Natchez being forced to move to Oklahoma.

Weatherford was the leader of the Creek War. He was a Creek chief who led a coalition of Native American tribes in a series of attacks against American settlements in Alabama and Georgia. The Creek War was eventually defeated by the Americans, but it resulted in the Creek being forced to cede large amounts of land.