<p>BLACK KETTLE</p><p>Our history is full of heroes. Some heroes are leaders. Some are soldiers. Black Kettle was a hero who was both a leader and warrior. His people were the Cheyenne who lived on the Great Plains. His story is a story of bravery and courage. But it is a sad story, too.</p><p>Some of the tribes who hunted on the Great Plains did not want to leave when other settlers came. The government wanted the Cheyenne to move onto reservations. A “reservation” is an area of land set aside for Native Americans. They were not allowed to live where they wished. They were told they must stay on the reservation lands. </p><p>Many of the Cheyenne refused to leave their way of life. They liked hunting the buffalo, traveling with the herds wherever they roamed. But Chief Black Kettle knew that his people would not be able to roam the plains forever. He wanted peace for his people. So he signed a treaty agreeing to return his tribe to the reservation near Fort Sill. </p><p>Not all of the Cheyenne agreed to return with him. Soon, the government sent soldiers to capture Black Kettle at his winter camp. This camp was located on the Washita River in western Oklahoma. There, the Cheyenne were attacked. Many people were killed, including Black Kettle and his family. </p><p>At one time, Black Kettle had been a warrior against the government. But he had also been a leader who made peace treaties for the good of his people. A marker stands today at the place where Chief Black Kettle gave his life at the Washita River. </p><p>1. What was the Cheyenne way of life before they were told to move to a reservation?</p><p>2. Why is Black Kettle a hero?</p><p>3. What heroes do you think we should study today? Why are they heroes?</p><p>Courtesy Oklahoma Council for Social Studies Courtesy Oklahoma Council for Social Studies</p>