Historical Photos Of The Cheyenne, The "Great Plains Tribe" We Almost Lost
The Living Legacy Of The Cheyenne
The Cheyenne were once one of the most powerful tribes on the Great Plains, but they had to fight hard to stay at the top.
They first proved themselves against other Native tribes, but when the United States Army came knocking, they cemented a reputation as fearsome warriors and protectors of the Plains.
The Cheyenne’s fight to make a home on the Plains would eventually see them become masters of adaptation—and influence the course of American history.
Their Origins
Today’s Cheyenne are the descendants of two tribes that merged in the mid-19th century: the Tsitsistas and the Suhtai.
Both tribal sects have origin stories involving their own unique prophets who received divine gifts from Ma'heo'o, the Great Spirit.
Their Population
Today, there are approximately 22,970 Cheyenne people divided between two recognized nations: the Northern Cheyenne in Montana and the Southern Cheyenne in Oklahoma.
Sweet Medicine
Historically, the Tsitsistas’ prophet was called Sweet Medicine and the Great Spirit gifted him with the Sacred Arrow Bundle. He received this gift in South Dakota, at the top of Medicine-Hill, known to non-natives as Bear Butte.
The Sacred Arrows
Sweet Medicine brought the sacred arrows to the Cheyenne and they used these divine weapons when they fought against other tribes. During times of peace, the arrows were kept in an arrow lodge called a “maahéome”.
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