Native Americans wave the American flag when the militia attacked at the sand creek massacre calling for peace. Thet did not want a war so that they sought to negotiate peace and were provided a flag to wave in times of attacking showing they want peace. Nevertheless, the flying flag was ignored by General Chivington who attaked with his army murdering the sand creek tribe.
Seeking to keep peace, two chiefs, Black Kettle and White Antelope, tried to establish a truce. They were advised to camp near Fort Lyon in Colorado and fly an American flag over their camp to establish themselves as friendly.