Cameahwait facts for kids

Cameahwait was an important leader of the Shoshone people. He was also the brother of Sacagawea, a famous Native American woman who helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Cameahwait led the first group of people in what is now Idaho to meet Europeans.

Meeting the Expedition

In 1805, Cameahwait met Meriwether Lewis, one of the leaders of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. This meeting happened on August 13, 1805. Cameahwait then traveled with Lewis across the Lemhi Pass to meet William Clark, the other expedition leader.

Sacagawea, who was part of Clark's group, immediately recognized Cameahwait. She cried out that he was her brother. This was a very emotional reunion for them.

A Family Reunion

Sacagawea had been kidnapped when she was about twelve years old. She and her friend, Otter Woman, were taken by the Hidatsa Indians and became their slaves. Later, Sacagawea was sold to Toussaint Charbonneau, a French-Canadian trapper. Both Charbonneau and Sacagawea joined the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. Earlier that year, in February, Sacagawea gave birth to her son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, at Fort Mandan in what is now North Dakota.

To show his thanks for reuniting him with his long-lost sister, Cameahwait gave horses to Lewis and Clark. These horses were very important for the expedition as they continued their journey west.

Death of a Chief

Cameahwait was killed in a battle against the Blackfeet people. This battle took place at a location called Bloody Creek in Montana. The exact date of his death is not known. It is believed that he was buried on a small mountain, called a butte, located between the towns of Lemhi and Tendoy, Idaho.