Chief Executive Officer/Academic Dean
Ihankntonwan Community College
Ihanktonwan Community College
Woksape Owakide
"Seeking To Learn"
Exectuve Director
HELP [605-384-3997]
SMUTTY BEAR was Chief (Itanchan) of the Igmu Oyate (Cat People), which was one of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires) of the Ihanktonwan Oyate (Yankton Sioux Tribe).
The correct translation of his name is He Paints Himself Dark Like A Bear. His name was given because of his excellent hunting skills and success.
Smutty Bear was one of the principal Chiefs in the signing of the 1858 Treaty with United States. He was known as the Chief who held out the longest before signing not wanting to diminish the land or sovereignty of the Ihanktonwan Oyate (Yankton Sioux People). Because of his stance, he was considered to be the respected symbol of resistance to his tribe and to the citizens of Dakota Territory.