Running Eagle; oil on oak panel. Running Eagle/Woman Spirit/Pitamakan was a Piegan Blackfoot who became known as a mighty warrior amongst her people. Honing her skills and reputation through buffalo hunts and other traditionally masculine endeavors, she became a member of the Braves Society and led many war parties. One buffalo hunt was interrupted by a rival tribe, and her father’s horse was shot out from under him. Running Eagle galloped to him, and under heavy fire loaded both him and her hard earned buffalo meat onto her horse, and escaped back to her village. Trick Falls in Glacier National park was originally named Pitamakan Falls in her honor.
