Native American Authors

Black Hawk
(Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak)
, 1767-1838

Sauk-Sulattle

Black Hawk or Black Sparrow Hawk (Sauk Makataimeshekiakiak (Mahkate:wi-me?i ke:hke:hkwa), “be a large black hawk”) was a leader and warrior of the Sauk tribe.

During the War of 1812, Black Hawk fought on the side of the
British. Later he led a band of Sauk and Fox warriors against Illinois and Wisconsin settlers in the 1832 Black Hawk War.

After he was captured, in 1833, Black Hawk told his life story to a government interpreter and it became the first Native American autobiography to be published in the United States.

Online resources by or about Black Hawk:

Biography of Black Hawk
Author: Pitcel, Chuck
Type: authorbio
Description: Biography of the Sauk tribal leader Black Hawk, who fought against North American settlers who attempted to claim Sauk tribal lands. This biography is geared towards K-12 readers, but is suitable for general reference.

URL: http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/blackhawk/bio.htm

Books by Black Hawk:

Hawk, Black. Life of MA-KA-TAI-ME-SHE-KIA-KIAK or Black Hawk Dictated By Himself
Boston : Russell, Odiorne & Metcalf, 1834.
Genre: Autobiography
Language: English
Audience: All Ages
ISBN: 978-0143105398

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