Cheyenne Native Americans - Research Paper Example

The paper tells that the Cheyenne comprise of two tribes i.e. the Tsétsêhéstâhese and the Só'taeo'o. Members of the Algonquian family had a common territory (present-day Saskatchewan province) and language.  However, in the mid 16th century, they began their southwestward migration in pursuit of buffaloes and game. However, prior to this, the Cheyenne resided alongside the Missouri River in Minnesota. There is evidence that they were ardent farmers who also made ceramics and artifacts.

After losing a battle with the Hidatsa and Mandan tribes, they were driven off to the plains. This is when they took up buffalo hunting and occupied the area that comprises of modern-day Wyoming, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska and South Dakota. Consequently, their housing units changed from earthen lodges to ‘tipis’, temporary houses made of buffalo hide. This tribe was further subdivided into ten bands and four leaders were appointed from each band. In addition, there was a council of elders that comprised of forty-four elected men.

The council convened on a regular basis to deliberate on tribal affairs. Authority was deeply centralized, and the Cheyenne people were united by ritual ceremonialism and the famous ‘Sun Dance’ was the main climax. ‘Sacred arrows’ was another ceremonial ritual and this was undertaken whenever the Cheyenne people waged tribal war. The Cheyenne have a rich cultural heritage which is characterized by religious beliefs, ceremonies, religious practitioners, traditional medicine and veneration of the dead.

Aside from the sun dance and arrow dance, there are three other significant ceremonies. These include Mahut renewal, Isiwun and animal dance. Death and life are deemed a spiritual process. A good life automatically results in a good death. Conversely, an evil life leads to malevolent spirits who are bound to torment the living. Hence, the Cheyenne really advocate for a good life. Indian tribes including the Cheyenne welcomed the European settlers into America and even taught them survival tactics.

Unfortunately, this cordiality was short-lived and the White settlers began to acquire their land. Initially, this was done via treaties but with time the Cheyenne were forcefully evicted from their territories. They were driven off to barren land that was unwanted by the European settlers. As stated above, treaties were the initial means of acquiring Native American territorial land. One famous treaty is the 1851 Laramie Treaty. The Cheyenne were represented in this treaty between US government representatives and Native American tribes.

Several resolutions were made and they include the following. First, a truce was reached between warring rival tribes. Secondly, each tribe was to receive $50,000 per annum for 10 years as compensation for their land. Third, the US government gained the right to build infrastructure on native land. The white settlers were also assured of peace when they traveled along the Overland Trail. Fourth, maps were demarcated to show areas where the tribes were allowed to hunt and fish. Subsequent treaties had well-established reservations for Indian tribes.

The mid-seventeenth century was characterized by massive immigration of European settlers into America.