Sauk
Sauk (alternatively Sac) was a Native American nation.
Contents
History
The Sauk nation has Algonquin origins. Following a migration event the nation settled in Saginaw Bay. The Ojibwe and Odawa nations referred to them as Ozaagi (same root as the bay). This was transliterated as Sac in French and Sauk in English.
The Sauk nation was pushed to Green Bay by Haudenosaunee and French expansion. There they formed military alliances with the Meskwaki nation. Sauk tribes participated in the conquest of Illinois territories. A settlement named Saukenuk emerged around Rock Island, in the basin formed by the Mississippi and Rock Rivers.
On behalf of the Sauk and Meskwaki nations, Quashquame was compelled to sign the Treaty of St. Louis in 1804 and cede all land between the Illinois and Mississippi, as well as a portion of the Missouri River basin, to Harrison. The lands were reorganized into the Indiana Territory, with a capital in Vincennes, under Harrison's governorship.
Makataimeshekiakiak organized a militia to contest the cession of land. The Black Hawk War was a major military engagement but ultimately failed to halt the nation's removal. Keokuk emerged as the leader of the Sauk nation due to his support for the U.S. during the war.
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Composition
Courts were held to interpret and adjudicate legal disputes. These were conducted with impartial judges and lawyers representing both sides.
Chiefs were deposed and elected by the women of a tribe.