Wapasha I facts for kids

Wapasha (born 1718, died 1806) was a very important leader, known as a chief, of the Mdewakanton band of the Dakota people. His name in the Dakota language was Wáȟpe Šá.

Who Was Wapasha?

Wapasha was a powerful and respected chief of the Mdewakanton Dakota. He lived during a time of big changes in North America. He had to make important decisions to protect his people and their way of life. His story shows how Native American leaders worked to keep their communities safe during conflicts between European powers and later, the new American nation.

Early Life and French Friends

Wapasha was born in 1718 in what is now the state of Minnesota. When he was young, he became friends with people who worked for the King of France. He stayed a good friend to the French for a long time, especially when they were fighting against the British.

Wapasha and his followers helped the French in their battles. They were important allies. After the British won against the French, they were careful and a bit scared of their Sioux (Dakota) allies. Because of this, British traders did not come to live among the Sioux. This was a problem because the Dakota people had started using rifles for hunting instead of bows and arrows. They relied on trading furs with French trappers to get supplies and ammunition. It became hard for them to survive without this trade.

A Brave Leader's Journey

During a big war called the French and Indian War, some things happened that made British traders nervous about going back to the Mississippi River valley. One event happened in 1761. A Dakota man named Ixkatapay shot a British trader. Wapasha led a group of 100 men to the British headquarters in Quebec to deal with the situation.

By the time Wapasha reached Green Bay, Wisconsin, most of his men had left. Only Wapasha and five other warriors remained. The others had gone back home, and some had even taken Ixkatapay with them. But Wapasha and his five brave warriors kept going to Quebec. There, Wapasha offered himself and his men to be punished in place of Ixkatapay. The British were so impressed by Wapasha's loyalty and courage that they decided to let him and his warriors go free.

Fighting for His People

When Wapasha returned home, he became a war chief. His warriors fought in the American Revolutionary War. They fought against the Ojibwe tribe, who were allied with the British. They also fought against the Sauk and Fox tribes.

Wapasha also helped the British forces in a battle against the Spanish in St. Louis, though they did not win that fight. Wapasha's main goal was always the safety and well-being of his people. He chose which side to support based on who he believed would best protect the Dakota. No matter who he was allied with, Wapasha was always greeted with a special salute from a cannon.

When the Americans won the Revolutionary War, it was announced in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin in 1783. It is said that Wapasha was "content" with this news. The Dakota people eventually pushed back their enemies. Wapasha himself was lucky to survive a serious smallpox sickness that affected his whole village.

A Legacy Remembered

Wapasha lived a long life. He died in 1806 at the age of 88 from throat cancer, just after the start of the 19th century. His son, Wapasha II, became the next chief after him. Wapasha is remembered as a strong and wise leader who always put his people first.