Elder celebrated 90th birthday

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The oldest member of the Peigan Nation celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

More than 300 people from the Blood, Peigan, Blackfoot and Stoney Tribes attended the feast and powwow held June 2 in honor of elder Jim Morning Bull.

About 11 drum groups and 75 dancers participated in the traditional powwow held at the Peigan Community Center.

His granddaughter, Lorraine Morning Bull, was visibly happy with the response. "We had just started planning the event in late March," she said.

"We wanted to honor and do something special for him," she added. "Since he likes powwows a lot, we decided to have a feast and powwow.

"He (Morning Bull) was really surprised because he didn't know anything about our plans," she said.

Morning Bull was a member of the sacred Brave Dog Society. He is best known for his skills as a calf roper and horseman. In fact he was still riding horses until just a few years ago. He still loves traveling to various powwows during the summer.

Morning Bull was praised for his independent spirit and alertness. "He lives alone, cooks and still fends for himself. We stop by each day to check on him," said Lorraine.

"I don't ever see him in an old folk's home. He's too independent," she added.

Morning Bull received a new headdress and moccasins from his son-in-law Eddy Bad Eagle and daughter Ruth Bad Eagle.

The Blood reserve's Big Corner Drum group provided the music while Bad Eagle danced around the gym. On the fourth time, he placed the headdress on his father-in-law's head.

In return, Morning Bull took the microphone and thanked his son-in-law for the gesture. He chanted and sang an Anglican church hymn.

Jim and his late wife, Elizabeth, had seven children. He has 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Visitors were treated to a turkey and beef supper and birthday cake.

An honor dance and give-away ended the day's festivities.