Chief Sealth was a prominent leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish native American tribe. He is also known as Chief Seattle.
In those times the native tribes like the Puget Sound Indians who inhabited the area had no hereditary chiefs. Strong personalities from small villages distinguished themselves as 'chieftains' because of their actions and skills in relating to specific fields. Chief Seattle was recognized as a leader in times of crisis. He was famous and liked by everyone because of his excellent oratory skills and extraordinary leadership caliber.
Biography of Chief Sealth
Chief Seattle's father, Shweabe was a Suquamish chief and his mother Scholitza was the daughter of the Duwamish chief. Among the Duwamish tribes, matriarchal society prevailed where the line of descent ran through the mother. Shealth had proved himself as a great warrior by ambushing and defeating other tribal groups and also protecting his native tribe from foreign attack. Standing six feet tall he was nicknamed Le Gros meaning 'The Big One'. He was baptized under the Roman Catholic Church and was given the name of Noah. Chief Seattle had also kept his people out of the Battle of Seattle. Chief Shealth's famous speech on December, 1854 is a much debated issue. In his speech he addressed transferring of some native lands to the white settlers. In his speech he used evocative phrases to influence the natives. Chief Seattle's monologue holds a special place in American Indian literature and oratory.Chief Seattle was always intrigued by the Europeans, their culture and traditions. As a young boy he visited the first Englishmen who came to the Puget Sound region area in 1792. He established friendly and cordial relations with Doc Maynard, who was a progressive entrepreneur and a pioneer in setting up the city of Seattle. He also saved the doctor when some native American Indians tried to kill him. The Chief Seath was also very accommodating and benevolent towards the European Americans.
Chief Seattle's name has been immortalized after the city and its numerous tourist attractions are named after him.
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