Births on March 18

Kicking Bear, Native American tribal leader (d. 1904)

The Enduring Legacy of Kicking Bear: Oglala Warrior, Holy Man, and Artist

Born Matȟó Wanáȟtaka on March 18, 1845, the individual known to history as Kicking Bear was an influential Oglala Lakota figure whose life spanned a tumultuous period for his people. A leader of considerable courage and spiritual depth, Kicking Bear would eventually rise to become a band chief of the Miniconjou Lakota Sioux, leaving an indelible mark on Native American history through his participation in pivotal battles, his spiritual leadership, and his unwavering advocacy for his community. His story is one of resistance, cultural resilience, and personal struggle in the face of immense change.

Warrior Spirit: Defending Lakota Lands and Culture

From his early days, Kicking Bear was immersed in the warrior traditions of the Lakota. He actively participated in the fiercely contested War for the Black Hills, a series of conflicts sparked by the U.S. government's violation of treaty agreements and the influx of gold prospectors onto sacred Lakota lands. Alongside his brother, Flying Hawk, and their renowned first cousin, Crazy Horse—one of the most legendary figures in Native American resistance—Kicking Bear fought bravely in several engagements. Most notably, he was present at the devastating U.S. defeat at the Battle of the Greasy Grass, known to many as the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where combined Lakota and Cheyenne forces delivered a decisive blow against General George Custer's 7th Cavalry.

Kicking Bear's bond with Crazy Horse extended beyond the battlefield. In 1877, just one year after the monumental victory at the Greasy Grass, Kicking Bear was one of five distinguished warrior cousins who made profound personal sacrifices of blood and flesh for Crazy Horse at the Last Sun Dance of 1877. The Sun Dance, a central and sacred ceremony for the Lakota, was held to honor Crazy Horse and to offer prayers for his guidance and strength in the challenging times that lay ahead for their people. Crazy Horse himself attended this deeply spiritual event as the honored guest, though he did not partake in the strenuous dancing. The five warrior cousins, revered as vigorous battle men of distinction, included Kicking Bear, his brother Flying Hawk, and Black Fox II—all sons of Chief Black Fox (also known as Great Kicking Bear)—along with their cousins Eagle Thunder and Walking Eagle.

The Ghost Dance Movement and its Aftermath

As the 19th century drew to a close and the Lakota people were confined to increasingly smaller reservations, a powerful new spiritual movement emerged, offering hope and solace. In 1890, Kicking Bear became a prominent holy man and an active proponent of the Ghost Dance religious movement. This spiritual revival, which promised a return of the buffalo, the disappearance of white settlers, and the resurrection of ancestors, resonated deeply with many Native Americans suffering from poverty, disease, and the loss of their traditional ways of life. Kicking Bear, along with fellow Lakota Short Bull, undertook a significant journey to visit the movement's visionary leader, Wovoka—a Paiute holy man residing in Nevada. These three Lakota men played an instrumental role in bringing the message of the Ghost Dance to their people living on reservations in South Dakota, igniting a fervent hope across the plains. Tragically, the U.S. government and military viewed the Ghost Dance with suspicion and fear, perceiving it as a precursor to armed rebellion. This fear culminated in the tragic murder of Sitting Bull, followed by the horrific Wounded Knee Massacre. In the wake of these devastating events, Kicking Bear and Short Bull were imprisoned at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, a harsh consequence for their spiritual leadership.

A Difficult Path: The Wild West Show and Advocacy

Upon their release from imprisonment in 1891, Kicking Bear and Short Bull found themselves navigating a dramatically altered world. In a decision born of necessity and perhaps a desire to share their culture in a controlled environment, both men joined Buffalo Bill Cody's immensely popular Wild West Show. This experience took them on a tour through Europe, showcasing aspects of Native American life, albeit often in a sensationalized and romanticized manner for a captivated audience. For Kicking Bear, however, this period was deeply complex; the show, while providing income and exposure, was ultimately a profoundly humiliating experience. The spectacle reduced a proud warrior and spiritual leader to an object of entertainment, far removed from the dignity and reverence of his traditional life.

After a year-long tour, Kicking Bear returned to the familiar landscapes of the Pine Ridge Reservation, prioritizing the care and well-being of his family. His commitment to his people remained steadfast, and in March 1896, he embarked on another significant journey, traveling to Washington, D.C. As one of three Sioux delegates, Kicking Bear sought to directly convey the pressing grievances of his people to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). He spoke passionately about the detrimental impact of drunken traders on the reservation, demanding an end to their destructive influence. More broadly, he articulated a powerful plea for greater autonomy and the ability for Native Americans to make their own decisions, advocating for self-determination in the face of oppressive federal policies. While in Washington, Kicking Bear also agreed to have a life mask made of himself. This mask was intended to represent the face of a Sioux warrior for display in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, a testament to his prominent stature.

Artistic Expression and Lasting Memory

Beyond his roles as a warrior and spiritual leader, Kicking Bear possessed a notable artistic talent. In 1898, more than two decades after the fateful battle, the renowned American artist Frederic Remington requested Kicking Bear to paint his own account of the Battle of the Greasy Grass. This invaluable historical document, rendered from the perspective of a direct participant, provides a unique and powerful insight into one of the most significant events in Native American history. Kicking Bear passed away on May 28, 1904, a life rich with struggle, resilience, and a deep love for his people. He was buried with an arrowhead, a poignant symbol of the traditional Lakota ways he so dearly wished to see revived and honored. His remains are believed to rest somewhere in the vicinity of Manderson-White Horse Creek, a quiet resting place for a man whose spirit echoed the thunder of battles and the sacred whispers of the wind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kicking Bear

Who was Kicking Bear?

Kicking Bear, also known by his Lakota name Matȟó Wanáȟtaka, was an influential Oglala Lakota warrior, band chief of the Miniconjou Lakota Sioux, and a significant holy man in the late 19th century. He was a cousin of the famous Crazy Horse.

When did Kicking Bear live?

Kicking Bear was born on March 18, 1845, and passed away on May 28, 1904. His life spanned a critical period of conflict and change for the Lakota people.

What battles was Kicking Bear known for?

Kicking Bear fought in the War for the Black Hills alongside his brother Flying Hawk and cousin Crazy Horse. He was a participant in the Battle of the Greasy Grass, also known as the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where Lakota and Cheyenne forces defeated General Custer.

What was Kicking Bear's role in the Ghost Dance?

As a holy man, Kicking Bear became a key figure in the 1890 Ghost Dance religious movement. He traveled with Short Bull to visit the movement's leader, Wovoka, and was instrumental in bringing the Ghost Dance to the Lakota people on South Dakota reservations.

Did Kicking Bear tour with Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show?

Yes, after his imprisonment following the events surrounding the Ghost Dance, Kicking Bear joined Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show in 1891 and toured Europe for a year. The experience, however, was noted as being humiliating for him.

What was Kicking Bear's artistic contribution?

Kicking Bear was a gifted artist. In 1898, he painted his personal account of the Battle of the Greasy Grass at the request of the famous artist Frederic Remington, providing a valuable firsthand historical record.

What was Kicking Bear's involvement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs?

In 1896, Kicking Bear traveled to Washington, D.C. as a Sioux delegate to present grievances to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). He advocated for an end to the destructive behavior of traders on the reservations and for greater self-determination for Native Americans.