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Chief One Bull
Warriors Citation
One of Sitting Bull's closest allies, One Bull was a major force in keeping discipline among the Hunkpapa during the difficult
years of exile in Canada.
This was often carried out the auspices of akicita, a form of discipline in which people who had offended the consensus of
the tribe had to atone for their actions under a cloud of public dishonor. In one incident while in Canada, Gray Eagle, Sitting
Bull's brother-in-law, stole 150 Metis horses, causing trouble with Canadian officials. Sitting Bull summoned the culprits
with One Bull and his akicita (police troupe), who fired over their heads as they returned the stolen horses to Sitting Bull's
camp. In 1880, One Bull rode back into the United States, stopping at Fort Buford to determine what sort of welcome would
be awaiting Sitting Bull's band if they were to return to the United States. He was told that the Hunkpapa would have to give
up their weapons and horses and accept life at a reservation agency. Despite the stringent conditions, One Bull returned convinced
that surrender was the only alternative. Once Sitting Bull had surrendered, One Bull, like Gall, was used by the Anglos to
undermine the chief's authority. One Bull joined Agent James McLaughlin's agency police force and signed agreements ceding
Sioux land for settlement in the late 1880's. He fades from the historical record after Sitting Bull's assassination in 1890.
From: historical accounts & records
LINK TO BRAVEHORSE WARRIORS VOLUME TWO
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