Two War Trails – A Blackfoot Legend
In the Blood camp of the Blackfoot people, there lived a young boy named Screech Owl (A’-tsi-tsi). Unlike others his age, he preferred solitude and often distanced himself from the group, choosing instead to spend nights alone in the wilderness. Screech Owl was known for his heartfelt prayers to the birds and animals he encountered, seeking their pity and guidance on his path to becoming a warrior. He was a striking young man who believed that using paint to enhance his appearance was unnecessary.
As he reached the age of fourteen, a large group of Blackfoot warriors prepared to head out on a campaign against the Crees and Assiniboines. Eager to prove himself, Screech Owl approached his father, expressing his desire to join the warriors. His father consented and gifted him a swift black warhorse with a white spot, along with a traditional war plume made of thunderbird feathers, a token of his father’s spiritual medicine. Though offered weapons, Screech Owl took only a small trapping axe, confident it would suffice.
The journey led them to where Fort Pitt now stands along the Saskatchewan River. There, they encountered three Cree hunters. As the Blackfoot warriors prepared for battle, Screech Owl donned his father’s plume and sang his war song, much to the annoyance of the older warriors who saw his actions as mockery. However, when the time came, Screech Owl charged ahead, leading the warriors with unmatched speed. With his small axe, he bravely knocked the Crees from their horses, earning cheers and encouragement from his fellow warriors.
After returning from this successful raid, Screech Owl earned the name E-kus’-kini (Low Horn) for his bravery. Emboldened by his achievements, he later led a small party of Sarcee warriors on a different expedition. However, foreseeing danger, E-kus’-kini suggested retreat, but his companions insisted on continuing. As they neared a large camp they believed to be friendly, E-kus’-kini remained cautious. Yet, his companions were discovered by the enemy, revealing their error. Despite the odds, E-kus’-kini fought valiantly, even when surrounded, finally falling with laughter on his lips. His fierce spirit was believed to have transformed into a grizzly bear, continuing to roam the earth.
This retelling honors the enduring legacy and spirit of the Blackfoot people, preserving the essence of their cultural tradition.
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