GIFTS TO WARRIORS

Indian warriors began wearing military uniforms early in American colonization when European powers regularly fought for control of the continent. Native friendship and military strength were very important in these conflicts, so the Europeans strove for Native American loyalty and military support.

The most important part of this effort was the giving of gifts: flags, medals, uniforms, weapons. Some of these weapons were even engraved and customized for the recipient. Like the tomahawk offered to Tecumseh, Chief Shawnee, by the British Army during the War of 1812 with the inscription: "To the Chief Tecumseh, Colonel Proctor, 1812".

Another gift was also the delivery of rank and uniform in the army. Chief Choctaw Pushmataha, an officer in the American army during the War of 1812, received the rank of General and the uniform in gratitude for his loyalty to the American cause. When he died in 1824, he was buried in his uniform with military honors.

The greatest gifts to the nation leaders were surely the medals and the flags. Known as the '' Medal of Peace '', they are made of pure silver and usually represent the current president and symbols of peace. With the exception of John Adams, each United States President has presented peace medals to Native American leaders.