Kicking Bird

 

Kicking Bird led the peace faction of the Kiowas. His wisdom, eloquence, bravery, and undisputed military ability enabled him to extend his influence far beyond his own band. His force of character was such that he could face down other older chiefs whenever differences arose. He was a signer of the Medicine Loge Treaty. In the outbreak of 1874, Kicking Bird induced three-fourths of the Kiowas to remain on the reservation.  But his peace keeping efforts gained him powerful enemies within the tribe. In 1875 officials at Fort Sill, Oklahoma asked him to single out men who should be sent to prison at Fort Marion, Florida. The Kiowas claim that Maman-ti, the owl prophet, promised to cause Kicking Bird’s death by witchcraft. Shortly after the prisoners departed, Kicking Bird – seemingly in perfect health-did die under mysterious circumstances. The post surgeon listed the cause as “poison.” The Kiowas though differently. (Field 1975)