12/5/2004:
Sitting Bull’s war chief, Gall, died on this date 110 years ago. The Hunkpapa chief played a major role in the Lakota’s war with the United States.
Gall was born around 1840 near the Moreau River in South Dakota. His early childhood name was Matohinsda, which means Bear Shedding His Hair. His parents died when he was young, and he was raised by relatives. At some point during his youth, he was so hungry he tried to eat the gall – or gallbladder – of an animal killed by a neighbor. From then on, his name was Pizi, which means Gall. He distinguished himself as an aggressive warrior and hunter and rose to become Sitting Bull’s military leader at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Tune in tomorrow to hear one of the many colorful stories surrounding Gall’s life.
Dakota Datebook written by Merry Helm