Hole-in-the-Day
Hole-in-the-Day refers to two prominent Chippewa (Ojibwa) leaders, a father and son, known for their significant roles in the history of the Chippewa people. The elder Hole-in-the-Day, whose name translates to "Opening in the Sky," was a war leader who fought against the Sioux and participated in the War of 1812 alongside American forces. He passed away in 1846. Following his death, the younger Hole-in-the-Day, born in 1825, became the head chief of the Chippewa Bear Clan. He was known for his dealings with the U.S. government, making several trips to Washington, D.C., and marrying a white newspaper reporter.
The younger Hole-in-the-Day was an astute bargainer, often taking a percentage of agreements made for his people, which led to tensions as many Chippewas felt he was enriching himself at their expense. Despite accusations of self-aggrandizement, he maintained political support by distributing benefits among the Chippewa community. His leadership faced challenges, particularly regarding the forced relocation to the White Earth Reservation in Montana, which he initially resisted. Ultimately, he was murdered by members of his own community in Crow Wing, Minnesota, marking a tragic end to his controversial leadership.
Subject Terms
Hole-in-the-Day
- Born: 1825
- Birthplace: Sandy Lake Village (now in Minnesota
- Died: June 27, 1868
- Place of death: Crow Wing, Minnesota
Tribal affiliation: Ojibwa (Chippewa)
Significance: A controversial figure, Hole-in-the-Day made a number of agreements for his people that brought him considerable personal gain
There were two Chippewa (Ojibwa) leaders named Hole-in-the-Day; they were father and son. The elder Hole-in-the-Day (a more accurate translation of the Indian name is “Opening in the Sky”) was a war leader who waged war against the Sioux, playing a major role in pushing them westward. He also fought with the Americans against the British in the War of 1812. He died in 1846.
The younger Hole-in-the-Day, born in 1825, became head chief of the Chippewa Bear Clan after his father died. He visited Washington, D.C., several times, and at one point he married a white newspaper reporter there. He was known as a bargainer and a person who would take a percentage of any agreement made on behalf of his people. Many Chippewas complained that Hole-in-the-Day was aggrandizing himself at the expense of his people, and in fact he became quite rich. He was politically prudent, however, and distributed benefits to enough people to gain popular support from “progressive” Chippewas. When his people were compelled to move to the White Earth Reservation in Montana, Hole-in-the-Day at first refused to go. He relented, however, just before being murdered by his own people at Crow Wing, Minnesota.