Wovoka

Wovoka was a spiritual leader and prophecy-keeper among the Northern Paiute people in the late 19th century. He founded the Ghost Dance movement, which centered on a religious ritual believed to bring peace, restore Native lands, and bring back ancestors. Wovoka's teachings promoted harmony with nature and hoped for a future free from oppression by settlers and the U.S. government. His movement gained popularity among various tribes, but misunderstandings led to tensions with authorities, culminating in the tragic Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. Wovoka's messages emphasized spiritual renewal and hope amid difficult times for Native communities.