Abstract:
This research examines the circumstances surrounding Northern Paiute Chief
Egan’s rise to prominence leading up the Bannock-Paiute War of 1878. I argue
that despite his Cayuse ancestry, Chief Egan’s wisdom, loyalty and bravery made
him the prime choice to act as leader over the course of the rebellion against
Agent William Rinehart and the U.S. government at the Malheur Reservation. This
research helps to redefine what it means to truly be part of a Native American
tribe, by blood or acculturation, in addition to contributing original research
concerning Northern Paiute cultural identity, loyalty, and responsibility.