High Backbone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
High Backbone or Hump
|
|
|---|---|
| Canku Wakatuya | |
| Miniconjou Lakota leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1820 |
| Died | 1870 |
| Spouses | At least two Cheyenne wives, and one Crow wife |
| Relations | Sister, Rattling Blanket Woman (half-sister, married Crazy Horse's father, Worm) |
| Children | Hump II (?-after 1900), other children? |
| Parents | Father, Black Buffalo (1760-1820), Mother, Good Voice Woman? |
| Known for | Leader in the Wagon Box Fight and the Fetterman Fight, mentor to Crazy Horse |
High Backbone, also known as Hump or Canku Wakatuya, was a brave Miniconjou Lakota military leader. He was born around 1820 and passed away in 1870. He led his people in important battles, including the Wagon Box Fight and the Fetterman Fight.
High Backbone: A Mentor to Crazy Horse
Canku Wakatuya, or High Backbone, was a respected mentor to the famous young warrior, Crazy Horse. Some stories say they were close in age. Other accounts suggest High Backbone was a bit older. This shows how important High Backbone was in guiding Crazy Horse.
High Backbone's Role in Red Cloud's War (1866-1868)
High Backbone played a key role during Red Cloud's War. This war happened between 1866 and 1868. He was especially important in the Fetterman Fight on December 21, 1866. He was likely seen as a strong leader and war chief among the Miniconjou Lakota.
During this time, younger, successful warriors often took charge. This was because they were more decisive in battles. High Backbone, along with Crazy Horse, led Lakota warriors in the Wagon Box Fight. However, this battle did not go as planned for the Lakota. The Lakota warriors fought as individuals, not as a single army. Also, their weapons were not as strong as the US soldiers' weapons. This made it hard to win. Even with many losses for the Lakota, neither side truly felt they had won.
After the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868, High Backbone remained a respected war chief. He was killed in late 1870. This happened during a fight against the Shoshone people. Crazy Horse was with him at that time.
