Big Day, William

ca. 1891-?

Crow (Native American) medicine man

Big Day was adopted and raised in the traditional ways of his people by his adoptive grandparents. He was baptized a Roman Catholic but later converted to the Tipi Way sect of the Native American Peyote religion and was instrumental in reintroducing the Sun Dance ceremony among the Crow people in the 1930s and 40s. He was also an adoptive father, and it was the curing of his adoptive son by a Peyote medicine man which confirmed him in Peyotism. It is not known when he died.

References

Hirschfelder, Arlene, and Molin, Paulette. Encyclopedia of Native American Religions: An Introduction. (New York: Facts on File, 1992)

Indexes

Native American and Alaskan Native, Inuit
USA
19th Century
20th Century
Native American and Alaskan Native Religions
Adoptees/fosterees Who Are/were Also Adopters or Foster Parents
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care