Today in BF History: JAN 01

This photo had been taken on January 1, 1891, two days after the chief was killed by a revengeful Seventh Cavalry gone berserk. Although far from a photo of the crytozoological bigfoot, this photo is important part of the BF lore. Documenting how the bigfoot meme was more than a thread bare idea in the 19th century North-American consciousness, it was in fact already deeply woven for generations in Native American wisdom.

Chief Bigfoot known amongst the Lakota name as Si Tanka (Spotted Elk) Another tragedy of the Wounded Knee Massacre is captured in this photo frozen in time and snow.

The son of Lone Horn, he was cousin to Crazy Horse and half brother of Sitting Bull. He became chief upon his father's death in 1875.

Though skilled in war, he was known as a great man of peace, adept at settling quarrels between rival parties. Known for his political and diplomatic successes, he was often called upon to mediate disputes. Following their defeat during the War for the Black Hills, he encouraged his people to live in peace, and to adapt to the white men’s ways while retaining their native language and cultural traditions. He encouraged them to adapt to life on the reservation by developing sustainable agriculture and building schools, taking a peaceful attitude toward white settlers.

This makes all the more tragic the circumstances of his death. Sick with pneumonia, he was en route to the Pine Ridge Reservation, seeking shelter with Red Cloud's band. Apprehended, he became a victim of the Wounded Knee Massacre (1890) in which nearly 300 men, women and children of his tribe lost their lives.