Red Cloud, (1822 – December 10, 1909) is a war leader and a chief of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux).

He leads as a chief from 1868 to 1909.

One of the most capable Native American opponents the United States Army faces, he leads a successful campaign in 1866–1868 known as Red Cloud's War over control of the Powder River Country in northeastern Wyoming and southern Montana.

After signing the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868), he leads his people in the important transition to reservation life.

Some of his US opponents mistakenly think of him as overall chief of the Sioux.

The large tribe has several major divisions and is highly decentralized.

Bands among the Oglala and other divisions operate independently, even though some individual leaders such as Red Cloud are renowned as warriors and highly respected as leaders.