Soowaatsiitaapiitaa (Sits Behind Eagle Tail)

In late 2020, my Pikuni brother gifted me with several beautiful ledger pages from the Pioneer Company of St. Paul, Minnesota. These pieces were approximately 18 x 18 inches. 
 
I wanted to do something special with these, and began researching Niititapi Chief's from the mid to late 1800's. I had been given the name Soowaatsiitaapiitaa "Sits Behind Eagle Tail," but no clear images of this individual seemed to be found. I was finally assisted by Chief Ouray Crowfoot of the Siksika Nation, who sent me images of Sits Behind Eagle Tail with his Grandfather, the original Chief Crowfoot. 
 
The result is this portrait of the Pikuni leader  in graphite, ink. and colored pencil. The ledger is dated 1914 making it at least 107 years old.