 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
where the wild west comes alive
Kicking Bird
(ca. 1835 - 1875)
Drawing by Richard Florence
-
His name was Tene-angop'te which means "The Kicking Bird". He was, also,
known as Watohkonk - "Black Eagle". His grandfather was a Crow captive who had been incorporated
in the Kiowa tribe.
Kicking Bird's advocation was peace with the Whites since he saw the hopelessness warfare would bring. Kicking Bird signed the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867.
His friendly ways, however, did bring about much hope: the government did not keep a promise to free Kiowa chief held captive, horses and cattle were stolen by the Whites and buffalo hunters encroached on their reservation land. His leadership waning, Kicking Bird led a group of warriors to victory against troops in Texas.
The Kiowa tribe became divided when Lone Wolf, another Kiowa chief, gathered forces and waged war. Peace was still Kicking Bird's main objective and when a school was being built at his request, Kicking Bird died.
His friends say he was poisoned.
Kicking Bird is buried in the Fort Sill Post Cemetery on Chief's Knoll in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Books about Kicking Bird |