Different Types of Dakota Leaders

   

     Tribal elders: Oldest members of the tribes; sat on tribal councils. The bands elected seven to ten men, depending on the division, each referred to as chief man. Each chief man interpreted and enforced the decisions of the Na?á (tribal elders).

     War chiefs: Prepared for and led warriors in wars.

     Peace chiefs: Tried to use diplomacy whenever possible, led their     people to war as a last resort. Sometimes looked down upon by war chiefs.

     Warriors: Fighters of wars and defenders of the tribe. Warrior societies existed to train warriors, hunters, and to police the community.

     Statesmen/Shirt wearers:  The voice of the society. They were spokesmen between tribes and the U.S. government.They settled quarrels among families and also foreign nations. Shirt Wearers were often young men from families with hereditary claims of leadership. However, men with obscure parents who displayed outstanding leaderships skills and had earned the respect of the community might also be elected. Crazy Horse is an example of a common-born "Shirt Wearer".

     Pipeholders:  Ranked below the "Shirt Wearers," the Pipe Holders regulated peace ceremonies, selected camp locations, and supervised the warrior societies during buffalo hunts.

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