Kyren Jay Scalpcane, age 8, Aenohe Ȯhtamehnėstse (Hawk Walking), was born on August 4, 2017. From his first breath, he was a warrior who overcame many medical battles. He was born prematurely at 1 lb., 10 oz., when his mother was only 24 weeks along. He entered the world with special needs and faced many medical challenges throughout his life. From the very beginning, Kyren showed remarkable strength and resilience, overcoming each obstacle with quiet bravery and a gentle spirit that touched everyone who knew him.
Kyren was covered in prayers and blessings the moment he entered this world. As he was born during the Northern Cheyenne Sundance, the dancers prayed for him when they heard he was born prematurely at that time. Deacon Joe also honored and prayed for him as he took part in a prayer walk on the Camino in Portugal.
Kyren was blessed with an energetic, charismatic nature. He loved listening to round dance songs, hearing the drum, and playing games by dropping things on the ground when he wasn’t supposed to. From a young age, Kyren would often respond when his Cheyenne and Navajo languages were spoken to him. During the Sundance, a couple of years after he was born, he was given his Cheyenne name by the late Mark Wandering Medicine. He was named “Hawk Walking” after his great grandfather the late Lee Lonebear. Kyren is a descendent of the late Chief Patrick Spotted Wolf. His Navajo clans are Lòkaa’ dine’ě (Reed People) and Tábᶏᶏhá (Water Edge People); and his Crow clan is Whistling Water.
Kyren was a 3rd grade student at Lame Deer Public School. Because of online learning during COVID-19, he was unable to attend kindergarten and began school after the pandemic. The Lame Deer elementary students embraced him and included him in every activity. During Native American Week, the students and staff decorated a float, so he could participate in the parade. At each Christmas concert, his wheelchair was decorated, so he could be the star of the show. He loved school, his classmates, teachers, cooks, front office staff, and especially his bus drivers. He also had strong support from his Grandmother Kim Knobloch during his school years.
He was cared for by many people, but he was he especially tended to by Les and Trixi BirdChief, who helped care for him and treated him as their own by including him with their family. Their love and support helped the family tremendously and Kyren was always in great hands when he was with them.
Kyren’s grandparents, Annette and Tiger, lovingly looked after him throughout his life, giving him comfort, stability, and care. They had a deep love, connection and bond with him, as they were consistently by his side during the many obstacles and accomplishments that he experienced. Tiger and Annette’s love for Kyren shines through their steady support that helped him thrive and reach important milestones in his life.
A special bond was also shared between Kyren and his big sister, Kashlyn. She was his protector and constant source of comfort. Their bond was built on unconditional love, quiet understanding, and countless tender moments. She stood proudly by Kyren’s side through every challenge and every triumph, offering love that never wavered. That bond will forever remain a beautiful and unbreakable part of her heart.
Kyren was also deeply loved by his big brother Tyree and little brother Tatum. Their bond was filled with innocence, warmth, and protection. They saw him through love’s eyes, where disability held no meaning. Their care for Kyren was always done with love and understanding day in and day out. That love will remain a part of him always. Kyren will be their angel, watching over them and guiding them throughout their lives.
We honor Kyren’s life, regardless of length. He was a beacon of pure love, resilience, and profound lessons in joy. He was our angel, who taught everyone unconditional love, strength, and finding beauty in the small, overlooked moments. He taught us that love is felt rather than merely seen, offering a pure form of affection that leaves a lasting impact on everyone who knows Kyren. His accomplishments were celebrated as major achievements, and his own perspective on life brought deep, meaningful joy.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to his healthcare team: Dr. Natorio, RN Samantha Grover, Dr. Lisinger, Dr. Dangerfield from Billings Clinic. They would also like to acknowledge the many healthcare providers who cared for Kyren from the Northern Cheyenne Service Unit healthcare team. Your care, professionalism, and compassion have been a tremendous help to the family.
Survivors include his parents: Keanu Scalpcane and Payen Robertson; siblings Tyree and Tatum; grandparents: August “Tiger” & Annette Scalpcane; Carol (Derek) Holiday and Harry Robertson, his great-grandparents; Darlene Small, LuJuana Ewing, Elmer Yarlott Sr., Carmen Scalpcane, Leah Lonebear, Lynwood (Michelle) Ewing, Barbara (Allen) Clubfoot, JC (Annie) Bement, Georgia Bement, Robert Bement, Marlon Yarlott, Tom (Karna) Yarlott, and Donnie & Margaret Sonsalla, Debbie Gust, Francine (John) Small, Elaine Ross, Howard Tsosie, Alex Robertson Sr. Great-great Grandma: Delma Yarlott.
Auntie Tasia Scalpcane, Jordan Jefferson, Courtney Little Axe, Davinia Osife, Karly Robertson and Deneesa Holiday. Uncles, Bucky (Kayle) Old Elk Derek Shoulderblade, Hiram Robertson, Seldon Jackson, Kaden and Deshawn Holiday. Cousins: Kashlyn, Kaliyah, Stetson, Stetlee, Kaislee, Kingston, and Jodeci.
He is also survived by, LaVonne Scalpcane, Derek (Erin) Stennerson, Shawna Cooper, Whisper (Cody) Kelly, Melissa Lonebear, Eva Flying, Lacey (Donovan) Wind, Rowdy (Allyson) Alexander, Deano (Marie) Yarlott, Ben, and Richard Sanders, Gordy, and Cleveland Highbull.
Kyren was preceded in death by grandparents George Scalpcane, Jerry Small, Sarah Robertson, Jesse and Eldora Bement, Pierre and Mary Ewing, Elmer and Mabel Yarlott Sr, Robert and Jean Lonebear, August and Grace Scalpcane, Luvenia Rideshorse, Lee and Juanita Lonebear, Laura Lonebear, Gertrude Fire Crow, Clayton Small Jr. His uncles Keeshawn Scalpcane, Journey Emerson, and Cyro Littlebird.
Extended families include: Lonebear, Wolfvoice, Bigman, Sonsalla, HiWalker, Ewing, Harris, Bement, Spottedwolf, Spang, Flying, Small, Yarlott, Stewart, Old Bear, LaForge, White Clay, Morrison, Gust, and Debbie Strange Owl and Joedy Emerson family. Tsosie, Ross, Begay, Robertson.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 pm
Tuesday February 3, 2026
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Wednesday February 4, 2026
Allen Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday February 4, 2026
Lonebear Family Cemetery
Muddy Creek, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 pm
Tuesday February 3, 2026
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Wednesday February 4, 2026
Allen Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday February 4, 2026
Lonebear Family Cemetery
Muddy Creek, Montana 59043
Share
Dee Batey says
Prayers to all of Kyren’s family during this difficult time. May the memories of your little one give you comfort.
Denise Swank says
Prayers have been with you all. Your baby is now in the perfect world in perfect health. Being happy with all the relatives there. He’s an angel and will be with you all forever.
Christine Starr says
Sharing in your sorrow with love, prayers to the parents, siblings of Kyree, and family.