Native American Biography: Chief Big Elk/Ontopanga

Big Elk was chief of the Omaha along the Missouri in Northern Nebraska.  He was friendly with the Whites and two of his daughters married French fur trappers.  He was prominent in the Bellevue area.  His teepee was decorated with two riverboats as a manifestation of this friendship.  Big Elk gave an important speech at the funeral of Black Buffalo, the grandfather of Crazy Horse.  During the time of Black Elk many changes happenned with the coming of White people trapping furs or working at trading posts.  Thee were several epidemics, including small pox which took a heave toll on the population of the Omaha.  There were also negotiations as whites increasingly wanted more territory.  As of 1834 the territory west of the Missouri was reserved as an Indian territory.  

Of course thee were already white people living in this area.  The Mormons arrived in 1846 and Big Elk was chief in negotiating with them.  The Omaha made arrangements for them to stay, first in Fotanelle/Bellevue and then at Winter's Quarters.  The Otto were also involved in the negotiations at Cutler's Park and Winter Quarters.  It was agreed the Mormons could stay, but closer to the river as the Otto claimed the area of Cugtler's Park.  For this reason Cutler's Park was abandoned in favor of Winter Quarters.

The Mormons, as well as Native Americans, came down with an illness in 1846.  Big Elk became sick at the end of the year and passed away.  He was 73.  Joseph LaFlesche, his adopted son, followed him as Chief.

Rendering of his teepee

by George Catlin