Yakima War Kamiakin (Native American leader)

in 1855 isaac stevens, new washington territory governor, anxious extinguish claims traditional lands regional tribes , free native american land sale european americans, develop in recognized ways. threatened leaders of several tribes remove natives force area east of cascades , bordering columbia river if did not sell lands. thought reasonable strategy gather many other tribes.

kamiakin, leader of yakama, began organize immediately, allying peo-peo-mox-mox (yellow bird) of walla walla , allalimya takanin (looking glass) of nez perce. formed alliance total of 14 tribes living on columbia plateau. leaders agreed on wanting resist encroachment american settlers , government officials in washington territory. ensuing hostilities referred yakima indian war of 1855.

in 1855 kamiakin convened council in eastern oregon, representatives of tribes in grande ronde valley, in order discuss how best deal invaders , keep lands. governor stevens learned of meeting when lawyer, nez perce, informed him of decisions made there. @ subsequent walla walla council, when kamiakin arrived, noticed large number of nez perce , u.s. government officials, , realized confidences had been betrayed. stevens had used information earlier meeting marshal support establishing reservations among wavering tribal factions. when oregon s superintendent of indian affairs asked kamiakin speak, proud yakama refused. other chiefs pressured kamiakin signing treaty act of peace; established yakima reservation.

kamiakin led band of warriors first engagement of war , on october 4 , 5, 1855, defeated force of 84 soldiers led major haller near simcoe valley. kamiakin instrumental in final battle of war. on september 5, 1858, colonel george wright force of 700 soldiers, defeated kamiakin , warriors @ battle of 4 lakes. kamiakin wounded in battle when struck pine tree felled cannon fire.

colestah reported have saved husband capture u.s. soldiers. in end, kamiakin leader refused surrender, escaping kootenai, british columbia. there went montana, lived flathead tribe.