Napi’s Run 2023 Lead Organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone Honoured with Headdress
Photo Essay by Blaire Russell, Communications Officer
Blood Tribe Communications & Community Engagement
On June 21, 2023, Napi’s Run 2023 for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Men(MMIWM) and Mother Earth lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’ was honoured with a headdress at a ceremony held at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB. The ceremony was attended by family members, Blood Tribe community members, and supporters of Napi’s Run 2023 for MMIWM and Mother Earth.
Blood Tribe member, Johnny Bare Shin Bone and his fellow running crew are making their way through Alberta as part of a cross Canada awareness campaign for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Men and Mother Earth. Johnny was moved to organize Napi’s Run 2023 with the murder of his Great-nephew, Jovan Big Head, in 2009. The run started in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 2023, and will conclude in Victoria, BC later this summer.
Johnny Bare Shin Bone expressed his gratitude to those who showed up for the ceremony and encouraged his fellow Tribe members. “I’m really proud of being a Kainaikoan [Blood Tribe member]” said Johnny in a statement during the ceremony, “we’re all strong people, we can do anything.”
To follow Napi’s Run 2023 for MMIWM and Mother Earth, visit their Facebook Page for daily updates. Dedications are given each day to missing and murdered Indigenous women and men across Turtle Island. Everyone is welcome to walk or run with the team, please contact Ramona Big Head or Johnny Bare Shin Bone for further details on their Facebook page.
Supporters for Napi’s Run 2023 for MMIWM and Mother Earth at a surprise headdress transfer to lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’, at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
United States Veteran and Blood Tribe member, Tricia Willows about to capture Napi’s Run 2023 lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’ for headdress transfer at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
United States Veteran and Blood Tribe member, Tricia Willows capturing Napi’s Run 2023 lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’ for headdress transfer at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
United States Veteran and Blood Tribe member, Tricia Willows capturing Napi’s Run 2023 lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’ for headdress transfer at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
Blood Tribe Council member and elder Martin Heavy Head conducting headdress transfer ceremony for Napi’s Run 2023 lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’, at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
Blood Tribe Council member and elder Martin Heavy Head conducting headdress transfer ceremony for Napi’s Run 2023 lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’, at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
Blood Tribe Council member and elder Martin Heavy Head singing honour song for Napi’s Run 2023 lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’ at headdress transfer ceremony held at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
Napi’s Run 2023 lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’ addressing Blood Tribe community members and supporters of Napi’s Run 2023, at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
Honour dance for Napi’s Run 2023 lead organizer Johnny Bare Shin Bone – ‘Staamiiksoosaak’ at the headdress transfer ceremony at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
Members of Napi’s Run 2023 with members from ‘The Run’ in 1980 from Blackfoot Crossing to Ottawa for our Treaty Rights. Photo taken at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation, AB, on June 21, 2023.
