Tall Chief facts for kids

Tall Chief (around 1840-1918) was an important leader, or chief, of the Quapaw Tribe. He was also a Peyote Roadman, a spiritual leader in the Native American Church. He became chief after his father, Lame Chief, passed away in 1874. Tall Chief served as chief until he died in 1918, at about 78 years old.

Tall Chief was the last person chosen as chief in the traditional way for the Quapaw people. This means he followed a family line of chiefs. He also helped bring the Peyote Religion to the Quapaw and Osage tribes.

Early Life of Tall Chief

Tall Chief was born around 1840 in a place called Indian Territory. This area is now part of Kansas, near the Neosho River. His village was known as Hu-cha-pa Tah-wha.

His father, Ka-hi-ka te-dah, was also a chief and was known as Lame Chief. His mother was Mi-ska no-zhe, or White Sun Standing. Both of his parents were Quapaw.

Tall Chief's birth name was Wa-zhi Hunka. In the Quapaw language, this name means an eagle. Quapaw traditions say this eagle led their people to the earth. Tall Chief later said his name meant "Sacred Angel Bird," which led to his English name, "Louis Angel."

Around 1870, when Tall Chief was about 30 years old, his group of Quapaw people moved. They went from Hu-cha-pa Tah-wha to an area near what is now Skiatook, Oklahoma.

Becoming Chief of the Quapaw

Tall Chief's father, Lame Chief, died in 1874. After his father's death, Tall Chief was chosen to become the new chief. He was selected in the traditional way, following his family's leadership line.

Quapaw chiefs had received special peace medals from European governments in the past. These medals were passed down to Tall Chief. Today, his family still keeps these important medals.

Tall Chief was a highly respected leader among the Quapaw people. He was often asked to name children and lead tribal ceremonies. People also asked him to help with legal matters for Quapaw tribal members.

Because he was very tall, he became known as Ki-he-kah-steh-teh, or "Tall Chief." He often wore large hats with eagle feathers, which made him look even taller.

The Big Moon Native American Church

In the mid-1890s, Tall Chief played a big part in bringing the Peyote Religion, also called the Native American Church, to the Quapaw and Osage people.

The Big Moon style of the Native American Church was started by a man named John Wilson. He was from the Caddo and Delaware tribes and was also called Moonhead. Wilson was teaching this ceremony to the Delaware People. Tall Chief heard about it and wanted to learn more.

Tall Chief asked Wilson to show him the ceremony. Wilson then led a peyote ceremony for Tall Chief near Skiatook, Oklahoma. Tall Chief invited several Osage Chiefs to this ceremony. They liked the religion and decided to follow it too.

Tall Chief also asked Wilson to introduce the ceremony to the Quapaw people living near the Spring River. This area is now Quapaw, OK. Wilson taught Tall Chief, and Tall Chief became a Roadman. A Roadman is a leader who guides the ceremonies.

Tall Chief had a special roundhouse where he held Native American Church meetings. He had one near Skiatook, OK, and another in Quapaw, OK. He also helped set up Native American Church fireplaces for many families among the Osage and Quapaw tribes.

Tall Chief's Legacy

Tall Chief passed away at his home in 1918. He was about 78 years old. His home was near the Spring River, outside the town of Quapaw, in Ottawa County, Oklahoma.

Several places were named after Tall Chief. These include Tall Chief Creek and Tall Chief Cove, both near Skiatook, Oklahoma. A sculpture of Tall Chief was also made, and it is now at the John Zink Ranch. The "Kihekah-Steh Powwow," started by the Indian Club of Skiatook, is still held today and is named in his honor.