The Life and Adventures of Red Crow, Formerly Head Chief of the Bloods

Book Synopsis: “Red Crow became the leader of the Bloods in 1870…the story of the chief’s life as told by him in 1890 to R.N. Wilson…a story of horse stealing and many battles but it also shows the chief had mercy.” -Calgary Herald, Feb. 17, 1967

“As chief, Red Crow was always ready to defend Blood territory…in 1871 he led 60 warriors on a strike on a Crow camp…won most of the battles of his life.” -Edmonton Journal, July 1, 2005

“Red Crow, a lineal descendent of the great Blood chieftains, was the most powerful and respected chief to enter the Treaty Seven negotiations.” - Medicine that Walks: Disease, Medicine and Canadian Plains Native People (2001)

“In the shadowy corner of history stands a mighty figure – Red Crow of the numerous and powerful Bloods…a notable and eminently successful warrior…the hero of more than 30 principal adventures (as he is recorded to have told them to the late R.N. Wilson).” -Calgary Herald, Jan. 14, 1956

Why did Chief Red Crow of the Bloods tribe lead his warriors and Blackfeet allies on numerous raids against the neighboring Gros Ventre, Snake, Nez Percé, and Crow tribes in the regions surrounding Montana? In 1891, Chief Red Crow (c. 1830 – August 28, 1900) would dictate his life story to Robert Nathaniel Wilson (1863–1944) who had served with the Northwest Mounted Police at Fort MacLeod in Alberta. Red Crow’s biography would be published in written form in 1891 by Wilson as “The Life and Adventures of Red Crow, Formerly Head Chief of the Bloods.” It would go on to be reprinted in various publications over the years.

Red Crow was born in Kainai territory in modern Alberta to Black Bear and Handsome Woman, and was a descendant of tribal chiefs. He earned a reputation as a warrior during raids against other Indigenous groups in the 1840s and 1850s. As indicated in his biography, Red Crow engaged in 33, sometimes ruthless, episodes against Crees, Crows, Snakes, and Nez Percés. That Red Crow combined boldness with caution is indicated by is final statement: “I was never struck by an enemy in my life, with bullet, arrow, axe, spear, or knife.”

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