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Introduction

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Wi-jún-jon, a prominent leader and respected religious figure of the Hunkpapa Lakota tribe, played a significant role in the resistance against the encroachment of white settlers and the U.S. Army, serving as a mediator between different Lakota bands, and leading battles against the U.S. Army[1] [2][3]. Wi-jún-jon was also a key leader in the Sun Dance ceremony, an important religious and cultural practice among the Lakota[1][3].

Portrait by George Catlin, 1831[4]

Early Life and Warriorhood

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As a young man, Wi-jún-jon became a warrior and participated in a number of battles and skirmishes against the U.S. Army as part of the broader resistance to American encroachment on Lakota land and resources[3]. Wi-jún-jon was known for his bravery and tactical skills in battle, and he became a prominent leader in the Lakota resistance[1][3][5]. He fought in many battles, including the Fetterman Fight of 1866 and the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876[2].

Diplomacy and Leadership

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Wi-jún-jon, Pigeon's Egg Head (The Light) Going To and Returning From Washington [6]

Wi-jún-jon was also known for his diplomatic skills[1][3]. He often served as a mediator between different Lakota bands and worked to maintain good relations with neighboring tribes. His reputation as a peacemaker and respected leader helped him gain the loyalty and trust of many of his fellow Lakota.

In the late 1860s, Wi-jún-jon became a participant in the Sun Dance ceremony and eventually became one of its leaders[2][7]. The ceremony was a way for the Lakota to connect with their spiritual beliefs and honor the natural world. Wi-jún-jon's participation in the ceremony played an important role in shaping his worldview and approach to warfare[2][7]. He believed that success in battle depended not just on physical strength but also on spiritual power and connection to the natural world.

Encounter with George Catlin

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One notable encounter in Wi-jún-jon's life was his meeting with the British artist George Catlin in the early 1830s[2]. Catlin visited the Great Plains and created numerous paintings and sketches of Lakota life, including a portrait of Wi-jún-jon[2]. Catlin was struck by Wi-jún-jon's distinctive hairstyle, which involved shaving the sides of his head and leaving a long strip of hair down the middle. Catlin's portrait of Wi-jún-jon became one of his most famous works.

Death

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Wi-jún-jon died in 1890, just before the Wounded Knee Massacre [1][3]. His death is believed to have been related to the tensions between the U.S. Army and the Lakota following the Ghost Dance movement [1][3]. In the late 19th century, the Ghost Dance, a religious movement that gained popularity among numerous Native American tribes, was perceived by the U.S. government as a challenge to their authority over Native American communities.[8].

Legacy

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Wi-jún-jon's life and legacy continue to be celebrated by the Lakota and other indigenous communities today[1][2]. He is remembered as a brave warrior, a wise leader, and a respected religious figure who embodied the values and traditions of his people.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Thomas, Jeff (2004). A Study of Indianess. Kendall/Hunt Publishing.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Taylor, Colin F (2015). ""From Pantheon to Indian Gallery: Art and Sovereignty on the Early Nineteenth-Century Cultural Frontier."". Journal of American Studies. 49 (1).
  3. ^ a b c d e f g ""The George Catlin Collection: Wi-jún-jon, a Sioux Chief."". Library of Congress. Retrieved March 7 2023. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  4. ^ "Wi-jún-jon, Pigeon's Egg Head (The Light), a Distinguished Young Warrior | Smithsonian American Art Museum". americanart.si.edu. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
  5. ^ 1915-2005., Josephy, Alvin M., (1993). The patriot chiefs : a chronicle of American Indian resistance. Penguin Books. ISBN 0-14-023463-2. OCLC 30361180. {{cite book}}: |last= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ "Chief Wi-Jun-Jon | Print". Wisconsin Historical Society. 2003-12-01. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
  7. ^ a b E., Mails, Thomas (2013). Fools Crow. UNP - Bison Books. ISBN 978-0-8032-8342-8. OCLC 866448309.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Hall, Stephanie (2017-11-17). "James Mooney Recordings of American Indian Ghost Dance Songs, 1894 | Folklife Today". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 2023-03-07.