Next time you are in Broadus, Montana, you may notice some new artwork as you drive past the Broadus Corner Store...where two young ladies from Kirby, Montana have spent the past few months creating a giant mural that celebrates some of the history of Powder River County.

The creator is Miah Chalfant, a Northern Cheyenne artist who told KGHL that her mural honors the history of homesteading and the enduring presence of indigenous peoples in Powder River Country.      

The 15-foot by 60-foot mural named “PA’EO’HE’E (Powder River), The Good Hunting Grounds”, depicts a faded parchment page from the 1920 US Census for Powder River County, overlaid by a herd of 13 colorful bison, with the images of two of the most famous Cheyenne Chiefs, Dull Knife and Little Wolf.

KGHL’s Taylor Brown interviewed artist Miah Chalfant, and her assistant Shawnee Real Bird, about the project.    

On Monday September 22nd a huge crowd gathered in downtown Broadus to celebrate the completion of the project made possible by the “Building a Better Broadus” pilot Community Tourism Grant from the Montana Department Commerce Office of Tourism.  Local supporters include the Broadus Corner Store, Yellowstone Bank, the School Community Development Council, and the Kingsley History Project.

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The following additional details were provided by Clara Caufield, Northern Cheyenne Columnist:

A journey of healing begins.  On Monday, September 22, a historic event occurred at Broadus, MT, where 150 people representing Powder River County and the Northern Cheyenne joined to celebrate the unveiling of a mural at the Broadus Corner Store. The mural commemorates the Northern Cheyenne, and was created by Northern Cheyenne artist Miah Chalfant Realbird at the request of the Kingsley History Project.

A small pioneer town named Kingsley once existed near what is now Broadus, where many conflicts occurred between the Cheyenne, Sioux and U.S. Calvary.  The Kingsley History Project has the mission of making that a historic site and wishes to involve the Northern Cheyenne and Sioux peoples in that effort.

Thirty-six Northern Cheyenne tribal elders, including traditional Chief Leon Seminole and Tribal President Gene Small attended and even provided rides for some elders to get to the event.

Speakers included: Shawnee Realbird, a pilot (first Indian woman in Montana to do that); photojournalist; and poet; Miah Chalfant Real Bird (Artist); Leo Seminole (Prayer); Henry Real Bird (Former Poet Laureate of Montana); Jade Sooktis,Northern Cheyenne  (Montana State Rep. District 41); Tribal President Gene Small and warrior society headsman; Kingsley History Project: John Amsden; Mina Seminole (the Reynolds Battle); a Broadus County Commissioner; and Clara Caufield, Chair, Northern Cheyenne Elderly Commission.

All the speakers addressed the need for healing and forgiveness between the two diverse communities of Broadus and Northern Cheyenne.  They all have historical roots and ties to that area, it being the site of many engagements between the military, Northern Cheyenne and Sioux, especially the Reynolds Battle, 1976, a great precursor and influence upon the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Perhaps, not all people in each community will agree, but the leaders have decided that 150 years is long enough to hold a grudge. 

As one speaker reminded, our forebearers were human beings, caught in the grip of historical forces beyond their control, both sides trying to do what was right for them at the time.

Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennereview@gmail.com.

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(Crowd scene photo credit:  Dani Draine Photography)

(Night painting scene photo credit:  Shawnee Real Bird)