Remembering Joe Medicine Crow: The Last Crow War Chief
Joe Medicine Crow was a renowned Native American historian, author and the last traditional war chief of the Crow Nation. He was born on October 27, 1913, in Montana and lived to the age of 102 before passing away on April 3, 2016. His life and legacy are a testament to the rich cultural history and traditions of Native American communities.
Early Life and Education
Joe Medicine Crow’s parents were prominent leaders in the Crow Nation. His father was a scout for General George Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn and his mother was a respected herbalist and medicine woman. Growing up, Medicine Crow was deeply immersed in Crow culture and tradition. He learned the language, hunting and tracking skills, and was trained in traditional warrior society.
Medicine Crow was also an accomplished academic, earning a history degree from Linfield College in Oregon and pursuing graduate studies at the University of Southern California. He completed his Master’s degree in anthropology and his dissertation was based on Crow oral history, where he coined the term ‘counting coup.’
Counting Coup and Warrior Traditions
Counting coup was an essential part of the Crow warrior tradition, where warriors were trained to get as close as possible to the enemy and touch them without causing harm. This act of bravery was a source of pride and honor for the Crow Nation. Medicine Crow was the last person to fully document the practice of counting coup, which has become an important historical legacy for the Crow Nation and Native American communities.
In addition to counting coup, Medicine Crow was also well-versed in other aspects of Crow warrior society, including horse stealing and war bonnet medicine. He shared his knowledge and stories with the world through his books, lectures, and interviews, contributing significantly to the preservation of Native American history.
Legacy and Contributions
Joe Medicine Crow’s contributions to Native American history and tradition are immeasurable. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 for his lifelong commitment to preserving Crow culture and tradition. His books, including “From the Heart of the Crow Country: The Crow Indians’ Own Stories,” continue to inspire generations of Native Americans.
Medicine Crow’s impact also extends beyond his contributions to Native American history. He served in World War II as a code talker, using the Crow language to transmit messages in the Pacific Theater. He also worked as a cultural advisor to public officials and served as a mentor to Native American students, inspiring them to pursue academic excellence while honoring their cultural traditions.
Conclusion
Joe Medicine Crow’s life and legacy serve as an example of the importance of preserving cultural tradition and history. His work as a historian, author, and warrior chief helped to preserve the cultural traditions of the Crow Nation and contributed to the broader understanding of Native American history. His unwavering commitment to the values of his people has left an indelible mark on Native American history and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
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