The Legacy of Wyatt Mad Plume: A Life Remembered
- Lynn Mad Plume
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
In the vast, open landscapes of the Blackfeet Nation, the spirit of Wyatt Mad Plume—Sikapiyohkitoopi, or White Rider—continues to inspire those who knew him. Wyatt's name, meaning White Rider, was a reflection of the grace, strength, and quiet confidence he carried with him throughout his life. Whether in the saddle, on the track, or simply with his family and community, Wyatt embodied the values of his Blackfeet heritage—courage, resilience, and an unshakeable connection to the land and the animals that defined him.
When I once asked Wyatt what his dreams were for the future, his answer was simple yet profound: “If it were up to me, I would be out in Two Medicine with my horses all day.” There was no desire for fame or recognition in his words, only a deep love for his horses, the land that shaped him, and the freedom that came with being outdoors. This was the essence of Wyatt—a young man who found peace and purpose in the quiet, natural world around him.
Wyatt's natural gifts were evident in everything he did. While he was a talented rodeo cowboy, qualifying for the Indian National Rodeo Finals as a saddle bronc rider, it was running that truly captured his heart. He was an exceptionally gifted cross-country runner, a natural on the track whose love for the sport was undeniable. At Haskell Indian Nations University, Wyatt’s running prowess shone through as he competed at a high level, driven by a passion for the sport and the freedom it gave him. There was no need for training regimens or complicated strategies—Wyatt simply loved to run, and it came to him effortlessly.
But as much as Wyatt excelled in athletics, he was also a quiet soul who carried struggles that weren’t immediately visible to others. Despite his infectious smile and the way he lifted everyone around him with his kindness, Wyatt faced internal battles that even his closest friends and family didn’t fully understand. The weight of mental health challenges is something too many young people face in silence, and Wyatt, like so many others, carried that burden quietly. His passing in 2024 was a devastating loss, one that left an indelible mark on his family and his community.
It served as a painful reminder of the mental health challenges that often go unnoticed, particularly among young people who seem to have it all together. But Wyatt’s legacy isn’t defined by his struggles—it’s defined by his love for life, his deep connection to his people, and the way he made others feel. His generosity, his loyalty to his family, and his unwavering support for his community continue to inspire.
In honor of Wyatt’s life and memory, his family has created the Sikapiyohkitoopi "White Rider" Healing Ranch. This ranch will serve as a place of healing and renewal, offering support to young people facing mental health challenges. Drawing on Wyatt’s love for horses and the cultural traditions of the Blackfeet Nation, the ranch will offer equine therapy and traditional practices to help youth build resilience, find strength, and heal. For Wyatt’s family, it’s a way to make sure that no one has to face their struggles alone—just as Wyatt never should have.
At the ranch, the land that Wyatt loved, the same land where he dreamt of spending his days with his horses, will become a refuge for others who need it. The Sikapiyohkitoopi Healing Ranch is not just a tribute to Wyatt—it is a way to ensure that his spirit continues to bring hope and healing to the community that raised him.
Wyatt’s love for rodeo also remains a significant part of his legacy. To honor his memory and passion for the sport, his family will host the Saddle Bronc Invitational during Mother’s Day Weekend in 2025. A special custom bronc saddle, crafted by Emmet Saddlery, will be awarded to the winner. True to Wyatt’s style, there will also be awards for the best cowboy hat and the best-dressed cowboy, both of which reflect his personal style and love for the color orange.
Wyatt Mad Plume may no longer walk among us, but his legacy is far from over. Through the *Sikapiyohkitoopi Healing Ranch and the Saddle Bronc Invitational, his memory continues to inspire. Wyatt’s life was one of quiet greatness, defined not by the challenges he faced, but by the love he gave, the friendships he built, and the deep, unwavering bond he had with his people and the land. His story reminds us that healing comes not just through strength, but through connection—to our roots, to each other, and to the things that bring us peace.