Maȟpíya Wičhášta (Cloud Man) never intended to become a white man in contradiction to those who misunderstood his choices. He intended to always remain Dakota. He and other families developed the agricultural village, known as Ȟeyáta Othúŋwe, as a means to survive as Dakota people.

The success of the village can be measured in their ability to share food with villages in the area.  Ȟeyáta Othúŋwe prevented starvation and ensured the survival of descendants of these villages.

Maȟpíya Wičhášta died in the concentration camp at Ft. Snelling in the winter of 1862-1863 after the Dakota War.

We remember him. These videos share more. Read more here.

I would describe him as a grampa.

Seth Eastman