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Six Weeks in the Sioux Tepees
Clashes between white and Indian societies are erupting into war when Sarah Wakefield is taken captive in 1862. She is the wife of an Agency doctor and a known friend of the Sioux. As desperate Sioux warriors attack the Agency, Sarah falls victim to the circumstances. In her narrative of the six weeks she is held captive, she vividly describes her trials, anguish, and pain, both physically and psychologically. Caught between two cultures, she is a woman and a mother struggling with a situation thrown upon her and her family. When she returns to white society, she finds that her battles are not over yet.With this reprint of the classic narrative of her survival, readers will come to know the Sioux culture and appreciate her struggle on the Great Plains.
Six Weeks in the Sioux Tepees is a reprint of the classic narrative of Sarah Wakefield's survival. Told in her own words, this compelling tale was a best seller when it was originally published more than one hundred years ago. Today it offers readers a unique perspective on Sioux culture and what life was like on the Great Plains in mid-nineteenth-century America.
Six Weeks in the Sioux Tepees is a reprint of the classic narrative of Sarah Wakefield's survival. Told in her own words, this compelling tale was a best seller when it was originally published more than one hundred years ago. Today it offers readers a unique perspective on Sioux culture and what life was like on the Great Plains in mid-nineteenth-century America.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1863
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 28, 2018
Sarah Wakefield, the wife of Dr. Wakefield, was saved during the 1862 Dakota War by We-Chank-Wash-ta-don-pee (Chaska), a Mdewakanton Dakota, who protected her and her two children for six weeks until her release to U.S. troops.
The narrative is Sarah's account of the charity that was shown to her and her children for six weeks and how Chaska and his family saved her throughout that time. In her writing, Sarah shares her frustration with how the tribes in Minnesota were treated, especially when it came to the annual disbursements as defined in the treaties.
The stories Sarah shared in the narrative she also shared as testimony for Chaska during his trial in Mankato. Because of her friendships with various members of the tribe and her and her husband's previous instances of assistance to the tribe (food, clothing, medicine, etc.), many thought that Sarah turned her back on "...our people", and felt that this narrative was proof. Instead of running from these rumors, Sarah tackles them heads on.
The narrative is Sarah's account of the charity that was shown to her and her children for six weeks and how Chaska and his family saved her throughout that time. In her writing, Sarah shares her frustration with how the tribes in Minnesota were treated, especially when it came to the annual disbursements as defined in the treaties.
The stories Sarah shared in the narrative she also shared as testimony for Chaska during his trial in Mankato. Because of her friendships with various members of the tribe and her and her husband's previous instances of assistance to the tribe (food, clothing, medicine, etc.), many thought that Sarah turned her back on "...our people", and felt that this narrative was proof. Instead of running from these rumors, Sarah tackles them heads on.
September 16, 2023
OK narrative of a time in captivity but not as interesting as I hoped. She at least met some kind Dakotas.
August 16, 2020
It was a semi-informative read, but unclear as to all of the details.
Any reader would need to know a lot about the background of this event to understand the passing references that seem to have an impact on the events of this narrative.
The other thing that I struggled with was how garbled the book felt. Granted, the author gave a warning in the beginning of the book that she was not a writer. Also, it was a very traumatic experience for the main character and the writing seemed to reflect her overall experience - a lot of it was a blur with certain details reviewed again and again. When I was done with the read, I didn't understand much and had no desire to try and piece the story together more coherently.
Any reader would need to know a lot about the background of this event to understand the passing references that seem to have an impact on the events of this narrative.
The other thing that I struggled with was how garbled the book felt. Granted, the author gave a warning in the beginning of the book that she was not a writer. Also, it was a very traumatic experience for the main character and the writing seemed to reflect her overall experience - a lot of it was a blur with certain details reviewed again and again. When I was done with the read, I didn't understand much and had no desire to try and piece the story together more coherently.
April 7, 2023
Such a powerful book that should be read by every high school student in Minnesota. Sarah was a brave woman to defend her loving Indian caretakers during the six frightening weeks she and her children were held in captivity. Written just after the 1862 uprising, her words are honest, heartbreaking, and profound. She was treated horribly for writing this book. She should be honored now in her memory.
August 22, 2018
Six Weeks in the Sioux Tepees is the narrative of a woman who was held captive by Indians during a short-lived war between Indians and whites in the 1860s. It was interesting but not the best writing and so very sad. Sarah Wakefield does a really good job of explaining why there was a war (the Dakota War in Minnesota). Because the local natives had accepted money for their land and had so little land left that subsistence was no longer possible, they had to instead receive funds and food from the government annually to stay alive. The year of the war, the money didn't arrive, didn't arrive, didn't arrive. So, the Natives were starving and hangry and they started killing white people and stealing their food.
There was a particular Indian, called Chaska (which meant "first born") who protected Sarah throughout her ordeal. He was arrested merely because he'd stayed behind to accompany the white prisoners upon their return to their homes. He was executed and it may have been a mistake (based on the common name "Chaska" -- not only a name that was used by many but also one that was similar to other names) but it's hard to say. There was definitely a fevered sentiment that as many of the natives as possible should be executed. Many people lost family members and they were understandably upset; they suffered from tunnel vision and were unable to factor in how the federal government had contributed to the problem by not providing food and money in a timely manner.
Because Wakefield testified for Chaska in court and wore Indian clothing during her captivity, which she was advised to do by natives if she wanted to stay alive, white people got pissy and said she must have married Chaska after hearing that her husband had died. So Sarah Wakefield actually wrote her account of being held captive to explain herself and defend the Indians, whom she thought mistreated. She was criticized and ostracized for taking the side of the natives. Fascinating book. The intro and notes really round it out. There are extensive notes. The text itself is not all that long. I saved the lengthy introduction for last, since intros often contain spoilers, and I was happy that I read it that way.
There was a particular Indian, called Chaska (which meant "first born") who protected Sarah throughout her ordeal. He was arrested merely because he'd stayed behind to accompany the white prisoners upon their return to their homes. He was executed and it may have been a mistake (based on the common name "Chaska" -- not only a name that was used by many but also one that was similar to other names) but it's hard to say. There was definitely a fevered sentiment that as many of the natives as possible should be executed. Many people lost family members and they were understandably upset; they suffered from tunnel vision and were unable to factor in how the federal government had contributed to the problem by not providing food and money in a timely manner.
Because Wakefield testified for Chaska in court and wore Indian clothing during her captivity, which she was advised to do by natives if she wanted to stay alive, white people got pissy and said she must have married Chaska after hearing that her husband had died. So Sarah Wakefield actually wrote her account of being held captive to explain herself and defend the Indians, whom she thought mistreated. She was criticized and ostracized for taking the side of the natives. Fascinating book. The intro and notes really round it out. There are extensive notes. The text itself is not all that long. I saved the lengthy introduction for last, since intros often contain spoilers, and I was happy that I read it that way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2021
One of many interesting personal stories by women taken captive in the Indian Wars. Her narrative is raw, complete, and very defensive. Friends, acquaintances, and the government didn't wish to believe her true history.
What it all comes down to is that the Indians wanted to wipe out the invaders (Duh!) and the invaders wanted to get rid of the long time inhabitants.
What it all comes down to is that the Indians wanted to wipe out the invaders (Duh!) and the invaders wanted to get rid of the long time inhabitants.
September 29, 2024
Just had to read the primary source account that was the basis for "Beneath the Same Stars.". I'm sure that author utilized more sources in her research of that story, but I disagree with some of her conclusions. This story, as told by the woman herself in 1862, greatly saddened me. And made me quite angry. How mightily misunderstood are cultures when viewed through the lens of Christianity!
August 9, 2019
Interesting read. If you want a different perspective of the Dakota war of 1862 you will want to read this book.
May 2, 2023
Good to read a true account. Very sad how the Indians were starved and cheated. Sarah was brave and kind while in captivity as the Indians were to her.
July 19, 2025
Should be a movie.
December 18, 2010
This book is a fascinating read. Written in 1864, just 2 years after Sarah Wakefeild and her two young children were held captive by the Dakotah during the war of 1862 in the Minnesota River valley. It is a must read if you are interested in understanding the causes and results of the Minnesota - Dakotah war.
While the literary style is some what awkward by today's standards, and some of her racial and cultural terminologies seem crude, her work is significant. Her opinions flew in the face of popular opinion. At a time when most white setters of this new state wanted every Indian, peaceful or not, driven from the boarders or killed, Ms Wakefield rose to their defense. She is an example of one going against popular opinion to defend the rights of those being maligned and stereotyped by public opinion and social pressures, and in this she is an inspiration.
She writes on page 100, " ... why, I asked myself, have these Indians lived quietly so long, and never, until this late day, done any wrong towards the whites? I could not think of any other cause than this.... that our own people, not the Indians, were to blame. Had they not, for years been suffering? Had they not been cheated unmercifully...." She speaks often of the kindness and mercy shown to her while in "captivity" and that the years of injustice inflicted on the Dakotah by the traders and politicians were the cause for the Indian's eventual uprising. She notes that the uprising came only after the Dakotah were facing certain death by starvation.
As the wife of a doctor for the Indian Agency, she had learned the Dakotah language, often had Dakotah people in her home. She and her family were highly respected by many in the tribe. Chaska, a leader of the Mdewakanton, personally protected her and her children from those who may have harmed them. She tells of the friendships, hardships, and terror she and her children experienced.
She shares her deep frustration with the popular opinions white settlers had toward the Native People of Minnesota, General Sibley's poor handling of the war, and her anger that her protector, Chaska, was falsely charged with crimes and executed by hanging with 37 other Dakotah in Mankato on December 26, 1862.
While the literary style is some what awkward by today's standards, and some of her racial and cultural terminologies seem crude, her work is significant. Her opinions flew in the face of popular opinion. At a time when most white setters of this new state wanted every Indian, peaceful or not, driven from the boarders or killed, Ms Wakefield rose to their defense. She is an example of one going against popular opinion to defend the rights of those being maligned and stereotyped by public opinion and social pressures, and in this she is an inspiration.
She writes on page 100, " ... why, I asked myself, have these Indians lived quietly so long, and never, until this late day, done any wrong towards the whites? I could not think of any other cause than this.... that our own people, not the Indians, were to blame. Had they not, for years been suffering? Had they not been cheated unmercifully...." She speaks often of the kindness and mercy shown to her while in "captivity" and that the years of injustice inflicted on the Dakotah by the traders and politicians were the cause for the Indian's eventual uprising. She notes that the uprising came only after the Dakotah were facing certain death by starvation.
As the wife of a doctor for the Indian Agency, she had learned the Dakotah language, often had Dakotah people in her home. She and her family were highly respected by many in the tribe. Chaska, a leader of the Mdewakanton, personally protected her and her children from those who may have harmed them. She tells of the friendships, hardships, and terror she and her children experienced.
She shares her deep frustration with the popular opinions white settlers had toward the Native People of Minnesota, General Sibley's poor handling of the war, and her anger that her protector, Chaska, was falsely charged with crimes and executed by hanging with 37 other Dakotah in Mankato on December 26, 1862.
May 7, 2017
I decided to to re-read Six Weeks in the Sioux Tepees after having read The Thirty-Ninth Man for a book club. Both books relate to the 1862 Dakota up rising which resulted in the largest mass hangings in US History.
Sarah Wakefield tells a first person narrative of her experiences during the uprising and about her excellent treatment by Chaska, an Indian who saved her and protected her on many occasions. She relates her efforts to assure Chaska was not punished, although through either incompetence, or skulduggery was among those hung on that fateful day.
She also relates examples of tales told by other survivors of the uprising who, she claims, were lying about their treatment, presumably to enhance the credibility of the army personnel. I am inclined to believe Ms. Wakefields views.
The writing is, I suspect, typical of what one would expect in a diary from the time. She tells that she wrote the story expecting her family to be the audience, but released it for publication.
I can recommend this book. It tells a story we should all know, especially we who live in Minnesota and surrounding areas. You can learn more about the author here
More information about the trials etc can be found here
Enjoy
Sarah Wakefield tells a first person narrative of her experiences during the uprising and about her excellent treatment by Chaska, an Indian who saved her and protected her on many occasions. She relates her efforts to assure Chaska was not punished, although through either incompetence, or skulduggery was among those hung on that fateful day.
She also relates examples of tales told by other survivors of the uprising who, she claims, were lying about their treatment, presumably to enhance the credibility of the army personnel. I am inclined to believe Ms. Wakefields views.
The writing is, I suspect, typical of what one would expect in a diary from the time. She tells that she wrote the story expecting her family to be the audience, but released it for publication.
I can recommend this book. It tells a story we should all know, especially we who live in Minnesota and surrounding areas. You can learn more about the author here
More information about the trials etc can be found here
Enjoy
November 3, 2021
An amazing account by a woman held captive during an outbreak of ethnic cleansing. I read it in one sitting. I can’t believe it’s not been filmed.
The story is interesting enough, but it’s also a fascinating record of Native American culture as it’s being destroyed. Also interesting is the light it throws on mob mentality. I saw a documentary about chimpanzees many years ago and apparently when a female joins a new troupe, the males will always kill her first child to ensure they don’t have an outsider in their midst. In her treatment by the other colonists after her release, and in their murder of Chaska, the Dakota man who saved her life, I wonder if we’re seeing something similar.
A word about editions. I have the 2004 TwoDot edition. I knew nothing about the time and place where this happened. Wakefield assumes you do and I found it disorientating, as, handsome paperback though it is, it’s just the text and a brief editor’s note. There’s another edition edited by June Namias. I downloaded the sample from Amazon and there was enough of the introduction to help me make sense of things. If you’re in a similar position of ignorance I think I might suggest you try that one.
The story is interesting enough, but it’s also a fascinating record of Native American culture as it’s being destroyed. Also interesting is the light it throws on mob mentality. I saw a documentary about chimpanzees many years ago and apparently when a female joins a new troupe, the males will always kill her first child to ensure they don’t have an outsider in their midst. In her treatment by the other colonists after her release, and in their murder of Chaska, the Dakota man who saved her life, I wonder if we’re seeing something similar.
A word about editions. I have the 2004 TwoDot edition. I knew nothing about the time and place where this happened. Wakefield assumes you do and I found it disorientating, as, handsome paperback though it is, it’s just the text and a brief editor’s note. There’s another edition edited by June Namias. I downloaded the sample from Amazon and there was enough of the introduction to help me make sense of things. If you’re in a similar position of ignorance I think I might suggest you try that one.
October 13, 2013
It might just be because I've read several Indian Captivity narratives before this one but I thought this was rather boring. It is interesting to read about Wakefield defending herself and her stance on Indians because of the Indian's helpfulness when she was being held captive. There is much justification on her and Indians; and what is most interesting is when Wakefield suggests that Indians are not entirely to blame for the rebellion at the removal camps they were in. After all, Indians were treated very poorly and they were always starving.
Good read but probably wouldn't read it again.
Would recommend 7/10.
Good read but probably wouldn't read it again.
Would recommend 7/10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2011
Mot bad. It was amazing that someone could survive the conditions she faced.
February 10, 2013
Hard time sympathizing with Sarah because of her back and forth thoughts. Fantastic last two pages though.
June 6, 2019
I read Beneath the Same Stars by Phyllis Cole-Dai last year, really enjoyed it and was eager to read the source material. I was surprised and thankful my library had a copy.
February 4, 2020
Very interesting narrative. Of course falls to the prejudices of the time, but it recalls an important event often forgotten in history.
July 16, 2017
This, too, is a part of American history that for most of us in this country has been swept under the rug. I like the honesty the woman wrote with, she had nothing to hide...this is what happened. I'm saddened by the thought that despite her efforts to make the rest of the country aware of what was happening all around her our government basically ignored her. I wonder how much different our country would be today if these words had been heeded by the right people.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews