Left Hand the First
"Left Hand the First," also known as Niwot, is a notable figure in Southern Arapaho history, recognized for his role as a leader and translator during a tumultuous period marked by the encroachment of White settlers into Native lands. He learned English through his sister's husband, which equipped him to facilitate communication and negotiations between the Arapaho people and the American government. Alongside Chief Little Raven, he made efforts to maintain peace in the face of increasing tensions and violence. Unfortunately, Left Hand the First's life came to a tragic end during the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, an event that had significant repercussions for the Southern Arapaho and surrounding tribes. His legacy is remembered in various cultural depictions and commemorations, including a plaque in the Boulder Sculpture Garden in Colorado. The history surrounding Left Hand the First is complex, particularly due to the existence of another prominent figure with the same name, leading to some confusion in historical accounts. Understanding his contributions provides insight into the challenges faced by Indigenous leaders during westward expansion in the United States.
Left Hand the First
- Born: c. 1820s
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: November 29, 1864
- Place of death: Sand Creek, Colorado
Category: Southern Arapaho leader
Affiliation: Southern Arapaho
Significance: The first Left Hand (Niwot) was a leading peace chief during the nineteenth century
There were two Left Hands of considerable renown in Southern Arapaho history, a fact which, despite them being unrelated, has led to some confusion in the historical record. The first Left Hand ( also known as Niwot) learned English from his sister’s husband. He became an important translator and leader for the Arapaho in its dealings with White settlers. He worked with Little Raven, the principal chief of the Southern Arapaho at the time, attempting to keep peace as White Americans moved into the Plains. He was killed in the 1864 Sand Creek massacre.
![Depiction of the Sand Creek Massacre by Cheyenne eyewitness and artist Howling Wolf By Howling Wolf (http://www.oberlin.edu/amam/cheyenne.htm) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons 99109788-94665.jpg](https://imageserver.ebscohost.com/img/embimages/ers/sp/embedded/99109788-94665.jpg?ephost1=dGJyMNHX8kSepq84xNvgOLCmsE2epq5Srqa4SK6WxWXS)
![Chief Niwot Plaque, on the sculpture of him in the Boulder Sculpture Garden, Colorado, US. By Nealmcb [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons 99109788-94666.jpg](https://imageserver.ebscohost.com/img/embimages/ers/sp/embedded/99109788-94666.jpg?ephost1=dGJyMNHX8kSepq84xNvgOLCmsE2epq5Srqa4SK6WxWXS)
Bibliography
Coel, Margaret. “Niwot (Left Hand).” Colorado Encyclopedia, coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/niwot-left-hand. Accessed 24 May 2023
“Sand Creek Massacre.” History, 24 Nov. 2020, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/sand-creek-massacre. Accessed 24 May 2023.