Paul Swan facts for kids
Paul Swan (whose Lakota name was Maǧáska) was an important leader of the Miniconjou Lakota people. He was born around 1838 and passed away on September 30, 1900. He lived on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.
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Early Life and Family
Paul Swan was born about 1838. His father was Chief White Swan, a very important leader of the Minneconjou Lakota. Chief White Swan was one of six hereditary chiefs of his people.
During a big conflict known as the Great Sioux War of 1876, Paul Swan's father chose to live at the Cheyenne River Agency. However, Paul Swan and his brothers, including Little Swan, Fine Weather, and Puts on His Shoes, stayed with other Lakota groups who had not signed treaties.
Paul Swan's Role in Conflicts
Paul Swan took part in important battles during this time. He fought in the Battle of the Rosebud and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. These were major events in the history of the Lakota people.
After his father, Chief White Swan, died in 1877, Paul Swan became the leader of his family group. He took on the important responsibilities of guiding his people.
Life on the Cheyenne River Reservation
It is not fully known when Paul Swan and his brothers arrived at the Cheyenne River Agency. They might have come in 1877 with many other Minneconjou people. Or, they could have gone to Canada with Sitting Bull and returned later, around 1881 or 1882. By 1886, Paul Swan was living on the Cheyenne River Reservation.
Becoming a Lakota Leader
In 1881, the Minneconjou leaders on the Cheyenne River Reservation met to choose new "slcapshirt wearers." These were special symbols of leadership among the Lakota people. Since only three of the original chiefs were still alive, the tribe decided to choose new leaders.
Paul Swan was chosen to take his father's place as a leader. Other important headmen selected at that time included Touch the Clouds, White Bull, Big Crow, and Touch the Bear.
Paul Swan received a piece of land, called an allotment, in the Cherry Creek area of South Dakota. He lived there and raised his family. He passed away on September 30, 1900.
