Smohalla (1815? - 1907) was an Amerindian leader of the Wanapum, a tribe located in the Columbia River Valley in present-day Washington state, United States. In his youth he attended a Catholic mission of the Yakama, where he learned French and Christian instruction. He also participated in the Yakama War of 1855 - 1856. He distinguished himself for being a good healer. In 1860 he was attacked by a chief of a rival tribe who accused him of using this trade against him. After healing from his wounds, which left him almost dead, he wandered aimlessly for several years in the west of the country until he reached Mexico. When he returned to his own people, who had believed him dead, he urged them to return to the old customs, for having abandoned them had provoked the arrival of the white man. Its doctrine was inspired by Saghalee Tyee (Great Head of the sky) and it mixed catholic, native and of the Movement of the Saints of the Last Days. He also advocated for peaceful resistance and attachment to the homeland.
Smohalla entered into trance states, in which he was even punctured with sharp objects without feeling anything. When he returned to himself, he revealed the messages received from the spiritual world. Because of this he was called "the dreamer" and "dreamers" his followers. Smohalla's message was known in the territories of present-day states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and generally opposed US government intentions that the natives would live in reserves and integrate into the new economic system. Smohalla's words influenced the spiritual leader Wovoka and Joseph the Elder, the father of Chief Joseph, who in turn adopted the teachings of Wovoka.
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