Pretty Shield (1856–1944) was a prominent Crow medicine woman and oral historian, known for her deep wisdom, healing abilities, and remarkable stories. Born in 1856 in present-day Montana, Pretty Shield grew up in a time of rapid change for the Crow Nation as they faced the pressures of white settlement and the U.S. government.
Early Life and Marriage:
Pretty Shield was born into the powerful Mountain Crow tribe, the daughter of Chief Goes Ahead and Red Top Woman. As a child, she received traditional Crow teachings, which focused on the importance of family, respect for the land, and spiritual values. At the age of nine, she had a vision that she would become a healer and play a significant role in her tribe's future.
Pretty Shield was married to a respected warrior named Goes Together. Their marriage was happy and fruitful, with seven children born to the couple. Unfortunately, their happiness was marred by the loss of four of their children to diseases introduced by white settlers.
Healing and Medicine Woman:
Pretty Shield was a gifted healer, and her abilities as a medicine woman were well-known throughout the region. She combined her deep knowledge of herbs and plants with her strong spiritual connection to treat and heal the sick. Her reputation grew, and people from other tribes and even white settlers sought her help.
Preserving Crow Culture and Stories:
As an oral historian, Pretty Shield played a crucial role in preserving and sharing the Crow Nation's stories, culture, and traditions. She narrated many stories that had been passed down through generations, giving valuable insight into the lives of the Crow people before and during the tumultuous years of white settlement.
In the 1930s, Pretty Shield met ethnologist Frank B. Linderman, who recognized the importance of her stories and collaborated with her to record them. The book "Pretty Shield: Medicine Woman of the Crows" was published in 1932, helping to ensure the preservation of Crow culture and history.
Legacy:
Pretty Shield passed away in 1944, but her legacy lives on through her recorded stories and the memories of those she helped. She was a wise, compassionate, and talented healer who fought to preserve her culture and share it with future generations. As a prominent figure in Native American history, Pretty Shield remains a testament to the resilience, wisdom, and strength of Indigenous women.