In a poignant ceremony that echoed the reverence given to global figures, the Blackfeet Nation gathered to bid farewell to one of its most esteemed spiritual leaders, George Kicking Woman. Just a week after the world mourned the passing of Pope John Paul II in Vatican City, the Blackfeet community convened in Browning, Montana, to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who held a position of similar spiritual significance within their nation.
The gymnasium of the Blackfeet Middle School was filled to capacity, a testament to the profound impact Kicking Woman had on his community. Every seat was taken, and people lined the walls, eager to pay their respects to the 92-year-old elder who had passed away on April 7th. For 54 years, George Kicking Woman was the caretaker of the sacred Thunder Pipe medicine bundle, a responsibility he bore with unwavering dedication and a deep sense of spiritual commitment.
The Thunder Pipe, a central artifact in Blackfeet spiritual practice, is believed to possess immense power and is treated with the utmost respect. Each spring, Kicking Woman would perform an elaborate opening ceremony, praying over the bundle and invoking blessings upon the entire tribe. In a previous interview with the Tribune, Kicking Woman explained that the proper handling of the Thunder Pipe was crucial for the well-being and prosperity of the Blackfeet Nation.
Jerry Potts of the North Piegan Tribe in Canada, a neighboring community with close ties to the Blackfeet, eloquently captured the magnitude of Kicking Woman’s passing. "In Blackfeet territory, George’s passing is equivalent to the death of the pope," Potts stated, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the community. He further highlighted Kicking Woman’s role as a guardian of tradition, adding, "George was keeper of his tribes songs and ceremonies."
Potts also spoke of the personal inspiration he drew from George and his wife, Mollie. Himself a holder of a medicine bundle, Potts regarded the Kicking Womans as mentors and role models. "George would help anyone. He cared for everyone," he affirmed, underscoring Kicking Woman’s reputation for generosity, compassion, and unwavering support for those in need.
The funeral service was a deeply moving blend of traditional Blackfeet customs and Catholic religious practices, reflecting the complex spiritual landscape of the community. Kicking Woman’s open casket was placed beneath a basketball backboard, a symbolic juxtaposition of the traditional and the modern. In place of the net, a large photograph of Kicking Woman adorned in traditional regalia served as a visual reminder of his deep connection to his heritage.
The service commenced with a powerful performance by Indian drummers, their rhythmic beats resonating throughout the gymnasium and creating an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence. The drums served as a conduit, connecting the mourners to their ancestors and to the spiritual realm. Following the drumming, a Catholic Mass was led by the Rev. Ed Kohler, a priest who had developed a close relationship with Kicking Woman over the years.
Rev. Kohler shared a poignant anecdote from his early days in Browning, recalling a conversation he had with Kicking Woman in 1983. As they stood in Kicking Woman’s front yard, discussing their shared faith, a remarkable event occurred. "It was in May, a bright cloudless day, without even a breeze," Kohler recounted. "He had been telling me about a ceremony that he did with thunder, and as he concluded, there was a huge clap of thunder out of nowhere."
The unexpected thunderclap left both men stunned. Kicking Woman, with a knowing smile, turned to Kohler and said, "God has blessed our conversation." The event, Kohler explained, had a profound impact on him, solidifying his respect for Kicking Woman’s spiritual power and deepening his understanding of the interconnectedness between the natural and the supernatural.
Darrell Norman, owner of Browning’s Lodgepole Gallery, echoed Kohler’s sentiments, sharing his own experience of Kicking Woman’s connection to the power of thunder. Norman recalled seeking Kicking Woman’s guidance in designing his tepee. Kicking Woman not only provided the inspiration for the design but also assisted Norman in painting it using traditional methods, employing sticks as brushes.
As they neared completion of the final crow on the tepee, another extraordinary event unfolded. "We were just finishing painting the last crow," Norman said, "and suddenly, out of nowhere, there was a huge clap of thunder. I jumped and looked at George, and he said, ‘Now you’ll always remember painting this tepee.’" These experiences, shared by both Rev. Kohler and Norman, underscored the widespread belief in Kicking Woman’s unique spiritual gifts and his ability to communicate with the natural world.
Throughout the funeral service, countless individuals stepped forward to share their personal memories of Kicking Woman, each anecdote painting a vivid portrait of a man deeply admired and respected. Wilton Goodstriker of Cardston, Alberta, emphasized the importance of Kicking Woman’s teachings, stating, "One of his most important teachings was that before you can understand all of life, you have to understand yourself." Goodstriker further elaborated on Kicking Woman’s belief that true understanding could only be attained by seeking out the wisdom of the elders, "because they are the ones closest to life, the ones who know the secrets of life."
Carol Murray, a professor at the Blackfeet Community College, spoke of Kicking Woman’s role as a guide and teacher, recalling instances where he led friends through the Sweetgrass Hills, explaining the religious significance of the landscape. The Sweetgrass Hills, a prominent landmark in Blackfeet territory, hold deep spiritual meaning for the tribe and are considered a sacred site.
Phil Jones of Marion, a descendant of French fur trappers who had traded with the Blackfeet a century earlier, shared his family’s long-standing connection with George and Mollie Kicking Woman. He and his wife, Connie, had been privileged to join the Kicking Womans in opening their Thunder Pipe bundle for the past two dozen years. "George and Mollie were both healing people," Jones stated, emphasizing their compassionate nature and their ability to bring comfort and relief to those in need. "They never took credit, but we witnessed some tremendous examples of their healing power over the years."
Connie Jones added her own tribute to Mollie Kicking Woman, stating, "Mollie taught me the importance of caring for others, helping others, and healing others." Mollie Kicking Woman, who passed away in 2000, was remembered as a powerful spiritual figure in her own right, and her influence on the community was deeply felt.
Doris Kicking Woman, George’s daughter, spoke of the extraordinary powers possessed by her parents. "There’s power in that (Thunder) Pipe, power that channeled through to them," she explained. "My mom could heal people, and several supernatural things happened to my dad. One person saw my dad’s face on an otter. Several others saw his face in the clouds. They were mystical people."
The Kicking Womans were not only revered for their spiritual abilities but also for their generosity and kindness. Maynard Kicking Woman, a cousin, recalled, "When I took my drum group around, I always came to George for prayers and advice. We adopted him as a grandfather." Armand Edwards echoed this sentiment, stating, "He’s always been there for my family. I looked on him as my grandfather. I used to drive him around the reservation – he loved to take cruises – and it was an honor for me to be with him. He was an elder, and I learned a lot from him."
Robert Mad Plume, a school board member, emphasized the vital role the Kicking Womans played in the community. "George and Mollie were the spiritual leaders in our family," he said. "They played a tremendous part in our community. George was one of the most important spiritual leaders I’ve known in my lifetime."
Juanita Sloss, a teacher at the Napi Elementary School, shared a touching anecdote about breaking the news of Kicking Woman’s death to her students. "One of the kids asked me, ‘Was he the first Blackfeet?’ and I suppose, in a way, he was," Sloss said, capturing the profound sense of connection the children felt to Kicking Woman. Johnny Tailfeathers added, "We looked up to George and Mollie for a long time, and he helped our family a lot. When we were in trouble, he helped us up and prayed us up."
The funeral service concluded with a rendition of one of Kicking Woman’s favorite songs, "This Old Rugged Cross," led by Herman Whitegrass. Whitegrass also remembered Kicking Woman as a tremendous athlete in his prime and a devoted fan of sports throughout his life. "I was always proud to see George lead our basketball team," he said. "He was very involved with sports, with boxing and basketball and track. We’ll all miss him."
Norman shared a lighter memory, recalling a humorous car ride with Kicking Woman after a ceremony in Canada. The conversation turned to the topic of television, and Kicking Woman expressed his disapproval of the displays of affection he witnessed on screen. His daughter Doris, from the back seat, quipped, "So that’s where nine of us kids came from? Just holding hands?"
George Horse Capture, recently retired curator of the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., summed up Kicking Woman’s legacy, stating, "He was a remarkable human being. There are a few left who still live that lifestyle, but not many." The passing of Kicking Woman marks not only the loss of a beloved elder but also a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and spiritual practices. The Blackfeet Nation has lost a guiding light, but his teachings and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Kicking Woman’s impact will be felt for years to come. His memory will serve as a beacon, guiding the Blackfeet people as they navigate the complexities of the modern world while remaining rooted in their rich cultural heritage.
The Blackfeet community will remember Kicking Woman forever.