Smohalla
Smohalla, also known as Smóqula meaning "the Preacher," was a significant spiritual and political leader of the Wanapam people who actively resisted the United States government's efforts to confine them to reservations in the late 19th century. His leadership was notably marked by the 1,500-mile Long March in 1877, a pivotal act of resistance. As a spiritual figure, Smohalla developed the Dreamer religion, which blended elements of Christianity with indigenous traditions, and gained traction throughout the Northwest United States prior to the more widely recognized Ghost Dance.
Despite facing physical challenges due to being a hunchback, Smohalla distinguished himself in battles and became a symbol of resilience after surviving a near-fatal encounter with a rival leader, Moses. Following this incident, he embarked on a transformative journey that led to his return to his people with teachings believed to have come from the Spirit World, advocating for the rejection of Western beliefs and the revival of traditional Indigenous practices. His Dreamer religion involved communal dances accompanied by rhythmic music, serving as a means of cultural expression and spiritual connection. Smohalla lived until 1907 and was laid to rest at the Satus graveyard in Washington State, with his nephew continuing his legacy as the leader of the Dreamer religion.
Subject Terms
Smohalla
- Born: c. 1815
- Birthplace: Present-day Wallula, Washington
- Died: c. 1907
- Place of death: Unknown
Tribal affiliation: Wanapam
Significance: Smohalla’s teachings formed the basis of the Dreamer religion, which flourished among the tribes of the Pacific Northwest well into the twentieth century
Smohalla (or Smóqula, “the Preacher”) was one of a core of leaders among the Wanapam who resisted the United States’ attempts to place them on reservations. This resistance culminated in the 1,500-mile Long March in 1877. He also was a spiritual leader who fused aspects of Christianity and native traditions into the Dreamer religion, which swept the Northwest United States before the better-known Ghost Dance of the Plains.
Early in his adult life Smohalla distinguished himself in battle, despite being a hunchback. He incurred the personal enmity of Moses, leader of the neighboring Sinkiuses. The two men met in hand-to-hand combat, after which Moses left Smohalla for dead. Smohalla was not dead, however; he made his way to a nearby river, and floated downstream in a boat, beginning a journey that eventually took him down the Pacific Coast to Mexico, then back to Wanapam country through Arizona and other inland points.
Smohalla’s reappearance among his people caused a degree of awe that was impressive for a spiritual leader. Smohalla came bearing teachings said to have been acquired on a visit to the Spirit World: that all native peoples should reject the whites’ beliefs and artifices. He counseled native peoples to stay away from reservations and to restore traditional ways of life. The Dreamer religion included dances done in hypnotic rhythm to bells, drums, and other musical instruments.
Smohalla survived the Long March and lived until 1907. He was buried at the Satus graveyard in Washington State, and his nephew Puckhyahtoot (“the Last Prophet”) carried on his Dreamer religion.