Kicking Bear: Life Of A Ghost Dance Leader

Introduction to Kicking Bear

In the annals of Native American history, few figures stand as prominently as Kicking Bear, a significant leader in the Ghost Dance movement. Understanding Kicking Bear requires delving into the complex tapestry of late 19th-century America, a period marked by profound cultural clashes and relentless westward expansion. Kicking Bear, a man of the Lakota tribe, emerged as a pivotal figure amidst this turmoil, his life and actions deeply intertwined with the spiritual and political struggles of his people. Born into a world rapidly changing due to the encroachment of European settlers, Kicking Bear witnessed firsthand the erosion of traditional Lakota ways of life. The once vast hunting grounds dwindled, the buffalo herds diminished, and the Lakota people found themselves confined to reservations, their freedom and autonomy severely curtailed. This backdrop of social and cultural upheaval set the stage for the emergence of the Ghost Dance, a spiritual movement that promised renewal and hope. Kicking Bear's journey is not just a personal one; it is emblematic of the broader Native American experience during this era. His involvement with the Ghost Dance reflects a desperate yearning for a return to the past, a time when the Lakota lived in harmony with the land and followed their ancestral traditions. It's a story of resilience, resistance, and the enduring power of spiritual belief in the face of overwhelming adversity. This exploration into Kicking Bear's life will shed light on his role as a leader, a spiritual figure, and a symbol of Native American resistance during a critical juncture in American history. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by indigenous peoples in the face of colonization and cultural change.

Early Life and Influences

To truly grasp the significance of Kicking Bear's role in the Ghost Dance movement, it’s essential to explore his early life and the influences that shaped his worldview. Born around 1846, Kicking Bear came of age during a period of intense conflict between the Lakota and the expanding United States. His early years were steeped in the traditions and values of the Lakota culture, a culture that revered the land, honored ancestors, and emphasized communal living. Growing up, Kicking Bear would have learned the skills necessary for survival on the Great Plains – hunting, tracking, and horsemanship were crucial for the Lakota way of life. He would have also been instructed in the spiritual beliefs and practices of his people, learning about the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of maintaining balance with the natural world. The Lakota society of Kicking Bear's youth was one intimately tied to the buffalo. These majestic creatures provided the Lakota with food, clothing, shelter, and tools, and the buffalo hunt was a central aspect of their culture and economy. However, as European settlers moved westward, the buffalo herds began to dwindle, and with them, the Lakota way of life. This decline had a profound impact on young Kicking Bear, as he witnessed the increasing hardship and desperation of his people. The encroachment of settlers also brought conflict, and Kicking Bear likely participated in skirmishes and battles as he grew older. These experiences would have instilled in him a sense of protectiveness towards his people and a determination to resist the encroachment of the United States government. It is within this context of cultural richness and increasing conflict that Kicking Bear's early life must be understood. The values and experiences of his youth laid the foundation for his later involvement in the Ghost Dance movement, a movement that promised a return to the traditions and way of life that Kicking Bear had known as a young man.

The Ghost Dance Movement

The Ghost Dance movement, a pivotal element in understanding Kicking Bear's legacy, was a spiritual phenomenon that swept across Native American tribes in the late 19th century. To fully appreciate Kicking Bear's role, it’s crucial to understand the origins, beliefs, and spread of this movement. The Ghost Dance originated with a Paiute spiritual leader named Wovoka, also known as Jack Wilson, in Nevada around 1889. Wovoka preached a message of hope and renewal, promising an end to the suffering and hardship that Native Americans were experiencing due to the loss of their lands and the suppression of their culture. The central belief of the Ghost Dance was that through proper practice of the dance and adherence to a moral code, the dead would return, the buffalo would be restored, and the white settlers would disappear, returning the world to a time before colonization. This message resonated deeply with many Native American tribes, who had endured decades of displacement, broken treaties, and cultural destruction. The Ghost Dance offered a vision of a future where they could reclaim their ancestral lands and way of life. The dance itself was a circular, communal dance performed over several days, often accompanied by songs and prayers. It was believed that the dance would induce trances and visions, allowing participants to connect with the spirits of the dead and receive guidance. As the Ghost Dance spread, it took on different forms and interpretations among various tribes. For some, it was primarily a spiritual practice, a way to connect with the divine and find solace in a time of despair. For others, it became intertwined with a sense of resistance and a desire to reclaim their autonomy. The movement's promise of renewal and restoration held immense appeal for tribes grappling with the devastating effects of colonization, and it provided a sense of unity and purpose in the face of overwhelming challenges. Kicking Bear's embrace of the Ghost Dance must be seen within this context of cultural and spiritual revival. He was drawn to the movement's message of hope and its promise of a return to the Lakota's traditional way of life, and he became a key figure in spreading the dance among his people.

Kicking Bear's Role in the Ghost Dance

Kicking Bear's role in the Ghost Dance movement is central to understanding his legacy and the movement's impact on the Lakota people. He was not just a participant but a key figure in disseminating and adapting the Ghost Dance to the specific needs and beliefs of his community. Upon learning about the Ghost Dance from other tribes, Kicking Bear traveled to Nevada to meet Wovoka himself. This pilgrimage underscores his deep commitment to the movement and his desire to understand its teachings firsthand. After meeting with Wovoka, Kicking Bear returned to the Lakota reservations with a fervent belief in the Ghost Dance's power. He became one of its most ardent proponents, traveling from camp to camp, teaching the dance and spreading its message of hope and renewal. Kicking Bear's interpretation of the Ghost Dance was particularly influential. He emphasized the spiritual aspects of the dance but also incorporated elements of Lakota warrior tradition. He taught that the Ghost Dance shirts, worn by participants, would protect them from the white man's bullets, adding a layer of militancy to the movement that was not necessarily present in Wovoka's original teachings. This adaptation of the Ghost Dance message reflected the Lakota's history of resistance and their deep-seated desire to protect their lands and way of life. It also, however, contributed to the growing anxiety among white settlers and government officials, who viewed the Ghost Dance as a threat to their authority. Kicking Bear's leadership during this time was crucial in mobilizing the Lakota people and fostering a sense of unity and purpose. He was a charismatic figure, respected for his bravery and his commitment to his people. However, his role also placed him in a precarious position, as the U.S. government viewed him and other Ghost Dance leaders with increasing suspicion. The government's fear and misunderstanding of the Ghost Dance ultimately led to tragic consequences, including the Wounded Knee Massacre, an event that deeply impacted Kicking Bear and the Lakota people.

The Wounded Knee Massacre and Its Aftermath

The tragic events of the Wounded Knee Massacre are inextricably linked to Kicking Bear's story and the Ghost Dance movement. Understanding this event and its aftermath is crucial to grasping the full impact of Kicking Bear's life and legacy. The Ghost Dance, with its message of hope and renewal, had spread rapidly among the Lakota, but it also aroused suspicion and fear among white settlers and government officials. The U.S. government viewed the Ghost Dance as a sign of unrest and potential rebellion, and they responded with increasing military presence on the reservations. In December 1890, tensions reached a boiling point. The killing of Sitting Bull, another prominent Lakota leader, further heightened the sense of crisis. A group of Lakota, led by Chief Spotted Elk (also known as Big Foot), were fleeing to the Pine Ridge Reservation, seeking protection. They were intercepted by the U.S. Army and escorted to a camp near Wounded Knee Creek. On December 29, 1890, the soldiers attempted to disarm the Lakota. A scuffle broke out, and a gun was fired, though it's unclear by whom. The soldiers then opened fire on the Lakota, killing hundreds of men, women, and children. The Wounded Knee Massacre was a horrific tragedy, a stark example of the violence and injustice inflicted upon Native Americans during this period. Kicking Bear was not present at Wounded Knee, but the massacre had a profound impact on him. He had been away seeking counsel and support for his people. The news of the massacre devastated him, and it marked a turning point in his life. In the aftermath of Wounded Knee, the Ghost Dance movement lost much of its momentum. The massacre shattered the Lakota's faith in the dance's ability to protect them, and it deepened the sense of despair and hopelessness that many felt. Kicking Bear, along with other Lakota leaders, faced a difficult decision about how to move forward. He recognized the need to find a path that would allow his people to survive and preserve their culture in the face of overwhelming odds. The Wounded Knee Massacre remains a deeply painful chapter in American history, and it serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of fear, misunderstanding, and violence. Kicking Bear's subsequent actions reflect his determination to rebuild and find a way forward for his people in the wake of this tragedy.

Later Life and Legacy

Following the tragedy at Wounded Knee, Kicking Bear faced the daunting task of helping his people rebuild their lives and preserve their culture amidst immense adversity. His later life reflects a complex blend of adaptation and resistance, a testament to his enduring commitment to the Lakota people. In the years after Wounded Knee, Kicking Bear recognized the need for a new approach. He understood that the Lakota could not continue to resist the United States government militarily. Instead, he focused on finding ways to adapt to the changing circumstances while still preserving Lakota traditions and values. Kicking Bear became an advocate for education and self-sufficiency among his people. He saw education as a tool that could empower the Lakota to navigate the white man's world while retaining their cultural identity. He also encouraged his people to embrace farming and other economic activities that could help them become self-sustaining. Despite his efforts to adapt, Kicking Bear never abandoned his commitment to Lakota culture and spirituality. He continued to participate in traditional ceremonies and to teach the Lakota language and customs to younger generations. He also worked to bridge the gap between the Lakota and white society, serving as a mediator and interpreter in various capacities. Kicking Bear's life after Wounded Knee demonstrates his resilience and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances without sacrificing his core values. He understood the importance of preserving Lakota culture and identity, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that future generations would have a connection to their heritage. Kicking Bear passed away in 1904, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as a key figure in the Ghost Dance movement, but also as a leader who sought to find a path forward for his people in the face of immense challenges. His story serves as an inspiration to Native Americans and others who strive to preserve their culture and identity in a rapidly changing world. Kicking Bear's legacy is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Lakota people and their unwavering commitment to their traditions and values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kicking Bear's life story is a compelling narrative of leadership, resilience, and cultural preservation amidst immense historical upheaval. His pivotal role in the Ghost Dance movement underscores his deep spiritual convictions and his unwavering commitment to the Lakota people. From his early years shaped by the traditions of the Lakota culture and the growing encroachment of the United States, to his emergence as a key figure in the Ghost Dance movement, Kicking Bear's journey reflects the complex challenges faced by Native Americans in the late 19th century. His travels to meet Wovoka, his passionate advocacy for the Ghost Dance, and his efforts to adapt its message to the Lakota context highlight his leadership and his deep connection to his community. The tragedy of the Wounded Knee Massacre cast a long shadow over Kicking Bear's life, but it did not diminish his resolve. In the aftermath of this devastating event, he worked tirelessly to help his people rebuild their lives, advocating for education, self-sufficiency, and the preservation of Lakota culture. Kicking Bear's legacy extends beyond his involvement in the Ghost Dance. He is remembered as a bridge between cultures, a mediator, and a leader who sought to find a path forward for his people in a rapidly changing world. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation, the resilience of the human spirit, and the need for understanding and reconciliation in the face of historical injustices. Kicking Bear's life stands as a testament to the enduring strength and dignity of the Lakota people and their ongoing struggle to maintain their identity and culture in the face of adversity. His story is a vital part of American history, one that deserves to be remembered and understood for generations to come.