Kicking Bird
Kicking Bird was a prominent Kiowa chief known for his leadership during a transformative period in the 1860s and 1870s. Born to a Crow grandfather who was adopted by the Kiowa, Kicking Bird initially gained fame as a warrior but later became an advocate for peace amid tensions with white settlers. He believed that establishing peaceful relations with whites was crucial for the survival of the Kiowa tribe. Kicking Bird played a significant role in signing treaties that established reservations for the Kiowa, including the Treaty of Little Arkansas River in 1865 and the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867.
Despite facing challenges to his reputation from more militant factions within the tribe, Kicking Bird remained committed to peace, even participating in a raid against Texas Rangers in 1870. He was also instrumental in advocating for education among his people, collaborating with Indian agent Thomas C. Battey to create a school for the Kiowa. Tragically, Kicking Bird's life was cut short, likely due to strychnine poisoning by a militant individual. He was laid to rest at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, leaving a legacy marked by his vision for peace and education within the Kiowa community.
Kicking Bird
- Born: c. 1835
- Birthplace: Present-day Oklahoma
- Died: May 5, 1875
- Place of death: Cache Creek, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Category: Chief
Tribal affiliation: Kiowa
Significance: Kicking Bird led a peace faction during the 1870’s Indian wars on the central Plains
Kicking Bird’s grandfather was a Crow adopted by the Kiowas. Little else is known of his ancestry. He earned his early reputation as a warrior but soon emerged as a leader of the Kiowa peace faction, envisioning peace with whites as the best opportunity for tribal survival. To that end, he signed the Treaty of Little Arkansas River (1865), by which Kiowas were granted reservations in the Indian Territory and Texas. He likewise signed the Treaty of Medicine Lodge (1867), establishing reservations in Kansas.
With his warrior’s reputation challenged by the war faction, Kicking Bird participated in a raid against Texas Rangers in 1870 during which he killed a soldier. Nevertheless, he continued to support peace. In 1872, with his cousin Stumbling Bear, he acted as spokesman for the Kiowa delegation to Washington, D.C. With Indian agent Thomas C. Battey, Kicking Bird developed an educational program and school for Kiowas. His death was probably caused by strychnine administered by a militant Indian. He was buried at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.