Harriet Heavy Runner

Harriet Heavy Runner

Saikiimainihkaakii- Sing Across Woman

Saikiimainihkaakii’s great grandfather, Willy Scraping White, gave her this name from his experience in the Horn Society. One time he was in the society he sat on one side- the next time he was in there he was on the other side. All the bundles have songs. He wanted to sing a song from the one he had before- so he said, “I’m going to sing this song across from the other bundle.” So, he named Harriet from that. Harriet's father is Harry Shade, he was raised by Willy Scraping White whom was his great uncle. Harriets’ mother is Agnes Night Gun (adopted by grandparents). Her grandparents on fathers’ side are Chris Shade and Kaatsikomsipisttohkomi. On her mothers side: Iikaaii, Siipiina, Alloyious Crop Eared Wolf, and Thereasa Small Face. Harriet has been apart of Iitsikinaiksi and Ootsimiita’siiksi (Sorrel Horse Society) societies. Saikiimainihkaakii has Elder influence from Winston and Martha Day Chief, Allen Prairie Chicken, Rachel Crying Head, and Bruce Wolf Child. Her professional history consists of working as a native counsellor, and as a Blackfoot language and cultural teacher. Saikiimainihkaakii has worked at Cardston Jr High School for 34 years, and with Native Parenting Cardston School Division for 20 years. Currently, Saikiimainihkaakii sits on counselling including Aitsitiipoyii Committee, Peace Keepers and RCCC Elder Advisory. Harriet is an expertise in many scholarly areas including traditional storytelling, Niitsitapi philosophies, family and kinship systems, gender relations, childrearing practices, social and spiritual protocol and so much more.