Currently residing in Billings, Montana on a reservation,
the Crow Indians at one time lived in the Yellowstone River Valley. They spoke
a sublanguage of the Missouri River Siouan. Today, the Crow Indians mostly
speak English and a few keep the Siouan language alive through ceremonial
celebrations.
Flash back to the 18th and 19th centuries and you would find
Crow Indians living in teepees made from long, sturdy wooden poles that are
covered in animal hides, most likely buffalo. The Crow built large teepees to
accommodate multiple family members so they could sleep on the inside perimeter
of the shelter. By sleeping in that arrangement, they had room for a fireplace
in the middle of the teepee. Part of this teepee included a hole near the top
that acted as a ventilating system for the fireplace.
The ladies of the Crow Indian tribes never really dressed
elaborately. They made use of the hides for clothing from animals killed for
meat. Usually these were sheep, bison or deer. They kept their hair short while
the men often times had hair down to at least their waist. The female Crow
Indians covered their legs and wore moccasins while the men’s clothing was a
little fancier.
The Crow Indians were a little different in that women often
played very important roles within their tribal community. Descendants for
various roles in the family and tribal community come from the women. And when
they got married, it was the male Crow Indians that accommodated the women and
moved in with her and her family. Females within the Crow Indian tribe could
even be chief.
Today, the Crow Indians have their own council on their
reservation in Montana. They keep in touch with their roots by putting on
yearly parades and other events. In addition, the matriarchal views are still
alive and well. The Crow Indians council has a woman chief for their Court of
Appeals.
