Bugonaygeshig facts for kids

Bugonaygeshig (pronounced Bah-go-nay-GEE-shig) was an important Anishinaabe leader who lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His name comes from the Ojibwe language and means "Hole in the Sky" or "Opening in the Day." This name refers to the Pleiades star cluster.

Bugonaygeshig was from the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. The Anishinaabe people living there were known as the Pillagers. This name described their role as strong protectors and leaders within the Anishinaabe community. They were also called the Noka Nation or Nooke-doodem by other Anishinaabe groups. The Nooke clan was one of the largest Anishinaabe clans.

Early Life of Chief Bugonaygeshig

Chief Bugonaygeshig was born in north central Minnesota, likely between 1835 and 1839. His Anishinaabe name, Bugonaygeshig, was quite common in Minnesota during the 1800s. While he was a respected leader among his people, he became widely known to non-Native Americans in the 1890s. He had four children during his life.

The Nelson Act of 1889

On January 14, 1889, the United States government passed a law called the Nelson Act of 1889. This law aimed to move many of Minnesota's Chippewa (Anishinaabe) people from their homes. The plan was to relocate them to the White Earth Indian Reservation. Only the Red Lake Indian Reservation and the White Earth Reservation were meant to remain. The Nelson Act was named after Knute Nelson, a congressman from Minnesota.

The 1898 Conflict at Sugar Point

By 1898, many Chippewa people had already been moved to the White Earth Reservation. The Leech Lake Indian Reservation and most other Minnesota Chippewa reservations were officially closed. However, many Chippewa people chose to stay on their traditional lands. They were determined not to lose their remaining territory. The U.S. government continued to pressure them to move and give up their reservation lands.

Chief Quewezance (Ogimaa Gwiiwizens) was another important leader who strongly worked to keep the Leech Lake Reservation open. After his efforts, he was sadly killed by several individuals.

Chief Bugonaygeshig became very upset after an incident where he was forced to walk over 100 miles back to the Leech Lake Reservation from Duluth. On September 15, 1898, the U.S. government tried to arrest him again. This happened in a village called Onigum. Chief Bugonaygeshig and another Chippewa man, Shaboondayshkong, were visiting Onigum for what they thought were payment distributions. While there, U.S. officers arrested them. The officers tried to take them to a boat for a trip to Duluth.

As they were being led to the boat, Chief Bugonaygeshig called for help. Many Chippewa people quickly gathered to support their leaders. In the confusion, both Chief Bugonaygeshig and Shaboondayshkong managed to escape. The U.S. Indian Agent at Leech Lake realized he needed military help. This situation set the stage for a battle. This conflict was not just about one person facing arrest. It was about protecting all the remaining Minnesota Chippewa Reservations.

The Battle of Sugar Point Begins

When the commander at Fort Snelling heard about the situation, he sent 20 soldiers to the Leech Lake Reservation. They arrived near the reservation on September 30. As was common, the U.S. first tried to talk things out, but the Chippewa leaders refused to negotiate. Another message was sent to Fort Snelling asking for more soldiers. This showed that the U.S. wanted to display a stronger military presence, or perhaps they believed the Chippewa's numbers were growing for a fight.

On October 5, 1898, a larger force of 78 U.S. soldiers entered the Leech Lake Reservation. The first 20 soldiers did not join this battle. The soldiers landed on Sugar Point by boat. They found Chief Bugonaygeshig's cabin, but he was not there. They did, however, make two arrests. According to Chippewa accounts, the battle began when white soldiers shot at boats carrying Chippewa women. Most of the injuries happened within the first 30 minutes of the fight.

The battle lasted for two days. Seven U.S. soldiers and civilians were killed, and 14 were wounded, making a total of 21 casualties for the U.S. side. No Chippewa casualties were reported. Some accounts suggest that only 19 Chippewa fighters took part in the Battle of Sugar Point. Many of these Chippewa men had likely never been in a battle before.

After the Battle

On October 6, 1898, more white soldiers arrived in Walker, Minnesota. There were 215 new soldiers. Including the 62 soldiers who were not wounded in the battle, the U.S. forces now numbered 277. The fighting may have stopped, but the Chippewa fighters refused to surrender. The United States then began to negotiate with Chippewa leaders, including Chief Bugonaygeshig and those who had fought. Chief Bugonaygeshig and the Chippewa people under his leadership refused to end the conflict until an agreement was reached.

An agreement was made between Chief Bugonaygeshig and other Chippewa leaders and representatives of the United States. This agreement created a new and larger closed Leech Lake Reservation. The main issue of this 1898 conflict was the future of the White Earth Reservation and the forced relocation of the Chippewa people.

Later Life and Legacy

Chief Bugonaygeshig lived for 18 more years after the Battle of Sugar Point. The United States government did not try to arrest him after the battle. Chief Bugonaygeshig passed away on May 17, 1916. He was between 77 and 81 years old.