Heywood Big Day

Heywood Bernard Big Day, Sr. - Biashbaakée, [Gives] Gifts to Women

Born June 19, 1938 in Pryor, Montana – passed to “the Other Side Camp” on September 7, 2025

Bad War Deeds (Ashképkawiia) clan member and Big Lodge (Ashshitchíte) clan child.

As a young child, he had severe lung problems, and the doctors in Billings “gave up on him.”  His father, William, prayed that his son be healed, and promised to sponsor a Sun Dance if his wish came true.  So it was that in 1941 the Crow Sun Dance (Ashkísshilissuua) was brought back to the Crow Reservation community.  He participated in and sponsored Sun Dances, including the 50-year Bicentennial Sun Dance, featured in the book “Sun Dance” based on oral history and photographs of the event.

As a youth, it is said that he was quite a rascal and teaser.  Eventually, he matured into a wise adult and elder.  He grew up with the “old folks” and learned the traditional Crow (Apsáalooke)language, stories, and songs.  He was given Sweat Lodge rights from an early age, had numerous Medicine Bundles given to him by others, and was Arrow Creek District “Hot Dance” Chief.  He liked to parade on horseback at Crow Fair, and to drum and sing at powwows.

He was an artisan and craftsman, including beadwork, leatherwork, and carving.  He worked on helping create traditional dolls featured by his wife, Mary Lou Big Day, an award-winning artisan.

He appeared on “Sesame Street” and had movie acting parts, including a speaking part in the movie “Little Big Man” starring Dustin Hoffman.  

For most of his life, he was a self-employed farmer and rancher and seasonal fire-fighter.  He was a master hunter and carpenter, mechanic, stone mason, and cook.

Heywood and his wife Mary Lou were world-travelers and entertainers, including lecturing and singing.  They enjoyed travel throughout the United States and internationally, including Germany, England, Netherlands, Hawaii, and Australia. During three cultural exchange trips to Australia, they participated in Folk Festivals which included Aboriginal musicians and dancers. Interested in building bridges among cultures, they were ambassadors for Crow culture through art exhibitions, cultural discussions, and participation in performances.

Heywood is survived by his children and adopted children: Derek Big Day, Heywood Jr. (Veronica) Big Day, William (Kay) Big Day, Jace (Linda Azure) Big Day, Adrian (Constance) Heidenreich,Raylene (Jonathon) Pretty On Top, his special grandson Heywood (Third) Big Day III, and half-brother, Stanley Pretty Paint.

Special adoptees include Lewie (Sue) Fletcher, Nick Dorsheff, Mitch McCrane, William “Willy” Spint, Deniz (Ann) Tek, Christopher Nieto, Mike Dekemper, Dennis Fitzpatrick, Turk Stovall, Darrin Thompson, and Larry Hurley, and adopted brother Father Randolph Graczyk.

Good Daughter: Pamela Bird Hat

Special adopted children include Elroy (Kitty) Nomee Sr., Harold Jess Brien, Beth Nomee, Mary Little Light, Janice Morning, Laura Lee Nomee, Marcia Beaumont, Fannie (Craig) Cliff, Doris Limberhand, Clarice Beaumont, Rhonda Raschkow, Iris Heavy Runner, Roberta (Alfred) Walks, Kathy Haun-Fighter, Emma Lou George, Roseann George, Roseen Goerge,

His grandchildren are Felice Big Day, Randolph Big Day, Tennison (Trisheena) Big Day, Otter (Don) Big Day, Elishia Big Day, ZephraBig Day, Holly Stands, Jamie White, Larry Plain Bull Jr., Fred Plain Bull, Laurie Plain Bull, and Dorcella Plain Bull.

Sisters:  Alice Hunts the Arrow, Jo Ann Rock Above, Georgieann Takes the Horse -Bad Bear, Eloise George, Cerise Plain Feather, Renita (Mary Doe) Plain Feather, Maureen Rock Above, Billie Plain Feather, Lily Plain Bull-Jefferson, Sara Plain Feather, JodyDemontiny, Saya Plain Bull, Teatta Plain Feather - Bear Below, Elizabeth Rock Above - Bird in Ground, Debbie Pretty Paint, Rebecca Falls Down, Agatha House, and Eva Bull Tail, Allene Bird Hat, Rena Faye Blaine, Donna Jean Spotted

Heywood was preceded in death by Mary Lou, his wife of more than 60 years, his parents, father William Big Day and mother Annie Lion Shows, sister Madeline Comes Up, uncle Henry Big Day, brother Raymond Stand Over Bull, Great-great grandmother Nina Davis Lion Shows, uncle Alwyn Davis, auntie Margaret Davis, his child Ellen Big Day, his grandchild Jacelyn Big Day, and great-grandchild Tennielle Big Day,

He has twenty-two great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Heywood and Mary Lou were adopted into the Crow Tobacco Society by Tobacco parents Allen and Suzanna Old Horn.  His Tobacco Society siblings are Dale (Myrna) Old Horn, Robert “Corky” (Rachel) Old Horn, Chris (Tammy) Dillon, Kristen Dillon, Lorena (Johnny Boy) Holds the Enemy, and Gwendolyn (Larry) Plain Bull.

His extended families are Lion Shows, Plain Bull, Goes Ahead, Stands, Takes Horse, Bends, White Clay, Davis, Rock Above, and Birdinground.

Please forgive us if we have omitted anyone during our grief.