Sauk
Sauk (or 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.
In 1804, on behalf of both the Sauk and Meskwaki nations, Quashquame (Jumping Fish) signed the Treaty of St. Louis. This ceded all land between the Illinois and Mississippi, as well as a portion of the Missouri River basin. Makataimeshekiakiak (Black Sparrow Hawk, or simply Black Hawk) organized a militia to contest the cession of land. In 1832, the Black Hawk War erupted and ended with his defeat. He was imprisoned but eventually released.
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.