Running Eagle, the Warrior Girl

"Running Eagle, a remarkable warrior woman whose military exploits were legendary...generations of Blackfeet women revered the extraordinary life of this woman." -Brave Hearts: Indian Women of the Plains (2016)

"Running Eagle, perhaps the most famous of all Blackfeet women warriors." -The Blackfeet, Facts on File (2009)

"Although some Blackfeet praised Running Eagle for her skill and courage, others disapproved of her role as a warrior...Running Eagle led many successful raids and war parties." -The People and Culture of the Blackfeet (2016)

"A story you will enjoy: Running Eagle, The Warrior Girl, by James Willard Schultz. The author''s life and intimate associations with the Blackfeet Indians have qualified him as one of the greatest authorities on Indian traditions." -The Stockman''s Journal, Sept. 15, 1924

What strange series of events caused the Blackfeet Tribe allow a female tribe-member to buck traditions and become a warrior and eventual chief of their tribe?

In 1919, famous adopted Blackfeet author James Willard Schultz would publish in narrative form the life story of one of the few famous female warriors to become leader of the Blackfeet tribe in his book titled, "Running Eagle, the Warrior Girl."

This book is a thrilling Indian story written by a famous old-time frontiersman James Willard Schultz, (1859 to 1947). Schultz was a noted author, explorer, Glacier National Park guide, fur trader and historian of the Blackfoot Indians. While operating a fur trading post at Carroll, Montana and living amongst the Pikuni tribe during the period 1880-82, he was given the name "Apikuni" by the Pikuni chief, Running Crane.

Schultz is most noted for his prolific stories about Blackfoot life and his contributions to the naming of prominent features in Glacier National Park.

Running Eagle is the story of a maiden warrior of the Blackfoot tribe. The story of an Indian girl who became the acknowledged leader of her tribe. As a little girl Otaki asked for bows and arrows rather than for dolls. Her father, who loved her dearly, indulged her in her wishes. and taught her to hunt like a boy. When both father and mother were taken by death, she again turned back to the hunting, providing the game for her brothers and sisters and following the war path to avenge her father''s death. Disapproval of her course finally gives way and she is highly honored by her tribe, and like the young men who prove themselves worthy, she is given a warrior''s name. Running Eagle.