Wa-na-ta was a chief of the Yanktonai, a tribe of the Sioux, which means “fern leaf.” He was born around 1795. The Yanktonai were located near the St. Peter River, which is today known as the Minnesota River. The Yanktonai were said to have a population between five and six thousand individuals with 1,300 warriors. Wanata was a very influential chief, as evidenced by his ability to lead his tribes’1,300 warriors into battle.
At age 18, Wanata was accustomed to the ways of war and fought under his father Red Thunder (then the chief of the Yanktonai) against the Americans in the War of 1812. Wanata was recruited by the British, a Colonel Dixon, whom convinced him to join him in battle at Sandusky. During this battle, Wanata charged Fort Sandusky and was wounded, but earned himself the nickname “Charger.”
After the war Wanata sided with the Americans and even helped influence trade on the Missouri River. He was murdered by his own people who were upset with his leadership in 1848.
