Tawatoy facts for kids

Tawatoy or Young Chief was an important leader of the Cayuse people. His name was spelled in different ways, like Tauitowe or Tauatui. Tawatoy, along with his brother Five Crows, was in charge of one of the three main groups of the Cayuse nation. He played a key role in his community during a time of big changes for Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest.

A Leader Among the Cayuse

Tawatoy was a respected headman, which means he was a chief or important leader in his tribe. He helped guide his people and make decisions. The Cayuse people lived in what is now the Columbia Plateau region, a large area that includes parts of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Tawatoy and his brother, Five Crows, were powerful figures, each leading a significant part of the Cayuse nation.

Tawatoy and the Missionaries

In the late 1830s, Catholic missionaries started arriving in the Columbia Plateau. Two of these missionaries were François Norbert Blanchet and Modeste Demers. Tawatoy became very interested in their teachings. This made another missionary, Marcus Whitman, unhappy. Whitman ran a different mission, the Waiilaptu Mission, and he was a Protestant. He didn't like that Tawatoy was listening to the Catholic priests.

In the summer of 1839, when Modeste Demers returned to Fort Nez Percés, Tawatoy allowed one of his sons to be baptized. This is a Christian ceremony where someone is welcomed into the church. Pierre-Chrysologue Pambrun became his son's godfather, a special role where he promised to support the child's religious upbringing. Pambrun later built a house near the Umatilla River for Tawatoy. This house was also used by the Catholic priests. Even with these strong ties to the Catholic missionaries, Marcus Whitman still reported that Tawatoy was not "governed entirely" by them, meaning he still made his own choices.

Journeys and Later Life

Tawatoy also took part in an important journey known as the first Walla Walla expedition. This trip was headed towards New Helvetia, which is now in California. During this journey, Tawatoy saw a sad event: the death of Toayahnu. Toayahnu was the son of Yellow Serpent, a chief of the Walla Walla people.

Tawatoy likely passed away in 1853 in what is now the state of Montana. After his death, his nephew, Weatenatemany, became a prominent leader among the Cayuse. Weatenatemany was also known by the name Young Chief, just like his uncle.