Yankton Indian Reservation - Famous Leaders: Past and Present

Famous Leaders: Past and Present

• Chief Struck By The Ree, (1804-1888) a Yankton chief, was wrapped in an American flag by Meriwether Lewis. Lewis and Clark were in the area exploring Louisiana Purchase lands. As a leader, Struck By The Ree managed to befriend the whites, yet remain dedicated and loyal to his people. He died in 1888 at Greenwood.
• Chief Smutty Bear, Mato Sabi Ceya (1790? - 1865) which has been said to mean He Paints Himself Dark Like A Bear, an Ihanktonwan Chief, was a signer of four treaties. He signed the Treaty of 1825 Treaty of 1825, the Fourth Treaty of Prairie Du Chien of 1830 Treaty with the Sauk and Foxes, etc., 1830., the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie and the Treaty of 1858 Treaty of 1858. He was a strong defender and believer in tribal sovereignty. Spellings of Chief Smutty Bear's name, following the chronological order of the treaties, are as follows : Maw-too-an-be-kin, Matto-sa-becha, Mak-toe-sah-bi-chis and Ma-to-sa-be-che-a.