In 1923, Cayuga Chief Deskaheh (center) appealed to speak to the League of Nations in Geneva about the right of his people to govern themselves as a nation, but was denied. Here he stands with Bureau international pour la défense des indigènes (International office for the protection of Native people) members who supported his cause.
PEACEMAKERS M
BY LAURENCE M. HAUPTMAN
any cultures honor their warriors, but some give even greater praise to the warriors who help make peace, or even better, avert war. Some of the
greatest American Indians rank in the second group. The role of diplomat, negotiator and promoter of peace has always commanded the highest esteem among Native peoples. As we honor veterans who have served in
the U.S. Armed Forces, we must also honor the American Indians who have promoted peace and protected their people in other capacities. Some were leaders, taking their people away
10 AMERICAN INDIAN FALL 2020
from danger. Many were diplomats, seeking to resolve
conflict From the time of George Washington in the through negotiations.
In our own day, activists and litigants have fought a different fight, using protests and courts to change the laws of the land. Tribal diplomacy operated by formal
protocols long before arrival of the Europe- ans. Official delegations carried wampum belts as credentials. Exchange of gifts contin- ued in dealings with colonial powers. Each meeting produced a round of official pres- ents, notably numerous Indian peace med- als that European monarchs and then the U.S. government gave to chiefs and members of Native delegations.
late 1700s, tribal delegations journeyed to the nation’s capital in often unsuccessful efforts to end hostilities on the frontier. During the 19th century, tribal delegations were wined, dined and often cheated, leaving a trail of dis- advantageous dealings. But, as Herman Viola observed in “Diplomats in Buckskins,” many famous tribal leaders made the trip more than once, gaining in skill and sophistication with each visit. Over time, the diplomacy built up a record of government-to-government rela- tions that is now the bedrock of Indian law. Following are some outstanding Indigenous leaders who sought to make and keep peace.
LEADERS WHO FOUGHT AGAINST WARS AND IN COURTS TO PRESERVE NATIVE RIGHTS
PHOTO COURTESY LEAGUE OF NATIONS ARCHIVES, UNITED NATIONS, GENEVA
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