I once thought that I was the only man that persevered to be the friend of the white man, but since they have come and cleaned out our lodges, horses, and everything else, it is hard for to believe the white man any more.

Medicine Lodge Treaty
Black Kettle's dwindling band proclaimed their desire to live peacefully alongside European Americans. The Council met regularly at the Sun Dance gatherings where they affirmed unity. On September 28 he concluded a peace settlement at Fort Weld outside Denver.

He and his wife were among those killed in 1868 at the Battle of Washita River in a US Army attack on their camp by George Armstrong Custer. He was a peacemaker who accepted treaties to protect his people.