Red Cloud was renowned as a warrior and highly respected as a leader. He was also one of the most capable Native American leaders the United States Army ever faced.
Red Cloud Mahpíya Lúta (1822-December 10, 1909) was a chief of the Oglala Lakota. He led as a chief from 1868 to 1909. One of the most capable Native American leaders the United States Army ever faced, he led a successful campaign in 1866-1868 known as Red Cloud’s War over control of the Powder River Country in northeastern Wyoming and southern Montana. Red Cloud was renowned as a warrior and highly respected as a leader.
He is quoted as saying: “I am poor and naked, but I am the chief of the nation. We do not want riches but we do want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches. We want peace and love.”
The Chief Shepherd said, “Do not gather together for yourself riches of this earth. They will be eaten by bugs and become rusted. Men can break in and steal them. Gather together riches in heaven where they will not be eaten by bugs or become rusted. Men cannot break in and steal them. For wherever your riches are, your heart will be there also...First of all, look for the holy nation of God. Be right with Him. All these other things will be given to you also” (Matthew 6:19-21, 33 NLB).
