January 23, 2020, marks 150 years since the Marias Massacre, one of the most tragic events in Montana history. On the bitterly cold morning in 1870, U.S. Army troops under the command of Major Eugene Baker attacked the sleeping camp of Piikuni Chief Heavy Runner, killing almost 200 people. The murdered included Heavy Runner, who was shot after presenting papers that testified that he was “a friend to the whites.” Many other victims of the attack were sick with small pox; most were women, children, and the elderly—almost all of the able-bodied men were out hunting. Following the brutal slaughter, the soldiers then burned the Indians’ tipis and other possessions and took their horses, decreasing the likelihood that those who survived the brutal attack would be able to survive the harsh winter weather.
To commemorate the event the Montana Historical Society has posted some resources, most notably an article by Rodger Henderson that was published in Montana The Magazine of Western History in Spring 2018, along with discussion questions.
Folks can access the material (appropriate for high school students) from a button on MHS home page or at Marias Massacre information.
Indian Education Division Contacts:
Zach Hawkins, Indian Education for All Unit Director, 444-0708
Joan Franke, Administrative Assistant, 406-444-3694
Jennifer Stadum, Indian Education Specialist, 406-444-0725
Stephen Morsette, Indian Education Specialist, 406-444-0754
Mike Jetty, Indian Education Specialist, 406-444-0720
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, TTY 406-444-0235.
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