num_pages: 11
description: In 1891 journalist Willis Fletcher Johnson published "Life of Sitting Bull and History of the Indian War of 1890-91," which book included a short 10-page chapter on Caroline Weldon who had traveled west to live with Sitting Bull, becoming his confidante and adviser. It is this short 10-page chapter that has been republished here for the convenience of the reader who may not have time to purchase and read Fletcher's entire book. Although it is a short account of Weldon, it is important because it is one of the few surviving contemporary accounts of Weldon.  "Woman Walks Ahead" is an upcoming film about Caroline Weldon's time with Sitting Bull, directed by Susanna White. The film is scheduled to be screened at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. The movie stars Jessica Chastain as Caroline Weldon, Sitting Bull’s confidante and adviser.  After her divorce in 1883 Weldon became committed to the cause of Native Americans. In the summer of 1889 Caroline Weldon traveled to Dakota Territory to fulfill her dream of living among the Sioux. Given the nickname "Woman Walks Ahead," she befriended Sitting Bull, leader of the traditionalist faction among the Sioux acting as his interpreter and advocate. She would see the growth of the phenomenon of the Ghost Dance and eventually be forced to decide whether to flee.
title: The True Story Behind “Woman Who Walks Ahead,” A Brief Historical Account of Caroline Weldon