How was the Cheyenne political system organized?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Plains style — Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains Dancers at the Totah Festival Powwow performing the Northern Tradition dance, a dance inspired by Plains traditions, on September 1, 2007, in Farmington, New Mexico.

Traditional Cheyenne society was organized into 10 major bands. This political structure was governed by a council of 44 chiefs, who provided leadership for the tribe.1

In addition to the council, the Cheyenne maintained seven military societies that played a significant role in tribal governance and defense. Among these, the Dog Soldiers were recognized as the most powerful and aggressive group. Beyond these military organizations, the Cheyenne also participated in various social, dance, medicine, and shamanistic societies, which were generally restricted to either male or female members.1