White Bird
White Bird was a prominent chief of the Nez Perce tribe, notable for his leadership during a turbulent period of Native American history in the late 19th century. Initially opposed to conflict, he became a key figure in the Nez Perce War after refusing to sign the Treaty of 1863, which mandated the tribe's relocation to the Lapwai Reservation in Idaho. As tensions escalated, White Bird emerged as a skilled war leader, taking command during significant confrontations, including the Battle of Big Hole Valley in August 1877, where he demonstrated remarkable marksmanship against U.S. forces led by Colonel John Gibbon.
Following a prolonged siege at the Battle of Bear Paw in September 1877, White Bird and a small group of followers retreated to Canada, seeking refuge alongside Sioux leader Sitting Bull, who had also fled following earlier conflicts. Unlike Sitting Bull, White Bird remained in exile until his death approximately five years later, an outcome that resulted from a personal conflict related to his role as a medicine man. The story of White Bird highlights the complexities of Native American resistance during this era and reflects broader themes of struggle, leadership, and the consequences of colonial policies.
White Bird
- Born: c. 1807
- Birthplace: Present-day Idaho
- Died: 1892
- Place of death: Canada
Category: Shaman, military leader
Tribal affiliation: Nez Perce
Significance: A skilled negotiator and marksman, White Bird was a major leader in the Nez Perce War of 1877
Along with Joseph the Elder, White Bird refused to sign the Treaty of 1863, by which the Nez Perce would move to the Lapwai Reservation of Idaho. Although originally opposed to war, White Bird became a principal war leader as tensions peaked in 1877 after the Nez Perce were ordered to move to the reservation. As a skilled marksman, White Bird led his warriors against troops commanded by Colonel John Gibbon at the major Battle of Big Hole Valley, Montana, August 9, 1877.
After a six-day siege at the final Battle of Bear Paw, Montana, beginning September 30, White Bird, with approximately twenty other Nez Perce leaders and two hundred followers, retreated to Canada. There they joined Sioux chief Sitting Bull, already in exile after the Battle of the Little Bighorn (1876). Unlike Sitting Bull, however, White Bird remained in exile. He was killed approximately five years later, by the father of two Indian patients who died after White Bird, a medicine man, treated them.