1870 Baker Massacre commemorated by survivor’s relative at Cardston Elementary

Students at Cardston Elementary School got a history lesson that’s been seldom taught. It’s one with a personal connection. The school’s vice-principal, Ramona Big Head, is the great-granddaughter of one of the survivors of the 1870 Baker Massacre.

It was on this day, January 23, 153 years ago – that 217 Blackfeet people (mostly children and elderly) were killed in an attack by the U.S. Calvary on the banks of the Marias River (then known as the Bear River), in Montana.

An order was given by General Phil Sheridan to “strike them hard”, in retaliation for the murder of an American fur trader named Malcolm Clarke at the hands of a young Piegan warrior named Owl Child. Following the murder, Owl Child fled to Mountain Chief’s Piegan band.

In search of  Mountain Chief’s band, Major Eugene M. Baker and his troops came upon the peaceful Chief Heavy Runner’s Blackfeet camp. Although Baker was informed this was the wrong camp, he attacked them anyway.

Survivors, mostly children, escaped on foot to different camps in minus 30 degree weather, many ending up in Alberta, including Natohkyiaaki (Holy Bear Woman).

Today, many of her descendants are members of the Kainai or Blood Tribe. Her grandchildren are present day leaders, educators, physicians, justice advocates, athletes, artists, scholars, criminologists, knowledge keepers, historians, etc.
Her great-granddaughter, Ramona Big Head, wrote a play about the massacre and plans for the ceremony at Cardston Elemetary School to become an annual commemorative event.