Toohoolhoolzote facts for kids

Toohoolhoolzote (born around 1820, died in 1877) was a brave Nez Perce leader. He first tried to find a peaceful solution, but later fought in the Nez Perce War. He sadly died during the Battle of Bear Paw.

A Strong Voice for His People

In the winter of 1876, Toohoolhoolzote was chosen as the main speaker for several Nez Perce groups. These groups were led by Chief Joseph, Looking Glass, White Bird, and Toohoolhoolzote himself. They picked him to speak for them at an important meeting with U.S. Army General Oliver O. Howard. He had the power to agree or disagree with the army's requests.

How Many People Followed Each Leader?

Toohoolhoolzote's group had about 50 people. This was the fourth largest group. Chief Joseph had about 300 people, White Bird had about 250, and Looking Glass had about 70.

Together, these Nez Perce groups had about 660 men, women, and children. Fewer than 200 of them were men. Only about half of those men were old enough to be warriors. As the conflict went on, more groups joined. The total fighting strength reached about 250 warriors or less. This included about 25 Palus men led by Chief Hahtalekin and Husishusis Kute.

Why Native Americans Were Worried

The Nez Perce leaders had some big worries. They wanted enough time to get ready to move their homes and their animals. They hoped to wait until at least autumn, or even a whole year. Toohoolhoolzote also explained that his people did not want to sell their land. This was against their religious beliefs.

A Big Disagreement

The army, however, demanded that the Nez Perce move in just 30 days. If they did not, soldiers would use force. General Oliver O. Howard made this very clear. This happened after Toohoolhoolzote started talking about how sacred the Earth was to his people.

"I do not want to hear you say anything more like that. I am telling you! Thirty days you have to get on the reservation."

"You ask me to talk, then tell me to say no more," Toohoolhoolzote replied. "I am chief! I ask no man to come and tell me anything what I must do. I am chief here!"

General Howard answered sharp. "Yes, you are chief. I am telling you! Thirty days you have to move in... I am the man to tell you what you must do! You will come on the reservation within time I tell you. If not, soldiers will put you there or shoot you down!"

Toohoolhoolzote stood up to General Howard. He told him he would not obey. Yellow Wolf shared the final words:

Chief Toohoolhoolzote did not become afraid. His words were strong as he replied, "I hear you! I have simiakia, that which belongs to a man! I am a man, and will not go! I will not leave my home, the land where I grew up!" For this he was jailed.

This arrest was one of the events that eventually led to the Nez Perce War.

Toohoolhoolzote's Beliefs

Toohoolhoolzote followed the Dreamer Faith. This faith taught people to live peacefully and reject white culture. They did this by not taking part in it. Yellow Wolf said this about him:

He told how the land always belonged to the Indians, how it came down to us from our fathers. How the earth was a great law, how everything must remain as fixed by the Earth-Chief. How the land must not be sold! That we came from the earth, and our bodies must go back to earth, our mother.

Even though he wanted peace, Toohoolhoolzote became a strong fighter when he had to. Writers at the time even called him a "fighter from hell."

What His Name Means

According to the Nez Perce dictionary, Toohoolhoolzote comes from the word tukulkulcúᐧt. This word means antelope.