The windswept plains of Montana still whisper tales of courage, loss, and the clash of cultures that defined the Battle of Little Big Horn. One hundred and thirty-eight years after that fateful day in June 1876, descendants of those who fought on both sides, particularly from the Native nations of the Plains, gathered to commemorate the anniversary and rededicate the newly completed Indian Memorial. This memorial stands as a testament to the often-unheard stories of the Native American warriors and their enduring legacy. The Descendants Remember Battle of Little Big Horn.
The annual gathering is more than just a historical observance; it’s a powerful act of remembrance, healing, and a commitment to a future built on understanding and respect. The rededication ceremony highlighted the significance of the Indian Memorial as a space for honoring the Native American participants of the battle, individuals whose names were frequently absent from mainstream historical accounts. This omission has long been a source of pain and frustration for Native communities, making the memorial a crucial step toward a more balanced and inclusive narrative. The Descendants Remember Battle of Little Big Horn is vital.
A Journey of Remembrance
The journey to the Little Big Horn battlefield is often a deeply personal one for the descendants. Doug Bissonette, the Pine Ridge spokesman for the family of the legendary Crazy Horse, explained that the Big Horn Riders, a group of horsemen from the Pine Ridge Reservation, make an annual pilgrimage to the site. Divided into two groups of twenty, they retrace the paths of their ancestors, carrying with them the weight of history and the spirit of remembrance. Their arrival is a powerful visual representation of the enduring connection between the present and the past.
Adding to the solemnity of the occasion, Northern Cheyenne youth participate in a commemorative run. This act of physical exertion serves as a tribute to their ancestors who fought at Little Big Horn, honoring their strength, resilience, and sacrifice. The run symbolizes the ongoing commitment of younger generations to preserving their cultural heritage and carrying forward the stories of their elders. These acts of remembrance are integral to Descendants Remember Battle of Little Big Horn.
The Indian Memorial: A Space for Honor and Healing
The Indian Memorial itself is a powerful symbol of reconciliation and unity. As Lakota historian and author Donovin Sprague, a descendant of Crazy Horse, High Backbone (Hump), and other battle participants, articulated, the memorial’s primary purpose is to honor the American Indian people whose contributions and sacrifices have often been overlooked. It serves as a corrective to historical imbalances, providing a platform for Native voices and perspectives to be heard.
The memorial represents the warrior-descendants of the battle from seventeen different tribes throughout the Northern Plains and Oklahoma. This diverse representation underscores the pan-tribal nature of the Native American resistance to westward expansion and the shared experiences of these communities. The engravings, artwork, and imagery incorporated into the memorial pay homage to the Native participants who fought and died at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. The chosen theme, "Peace Through Unity," encapsulates the aspirations of the memorial and the broader goals of reconciliation and healing.
A Message of Peace and Unity
The concept of "Peace Through Unity" resonated deeply with Traditional Chief Phillip Whiteman of the Northern Cheyenne. He shared that his great-grandparents were chiefs and warriors at Little Big Horn, and he emphasized the importance of carrying their message forward to future generations. He spoke of a pivotal event that occurred days before the battle, when his ancestors were summoned to Medicine Deer Rock, a site believed to be a portal to a higher dimension.
At Medicine Deer Rock, Sitting Bull, a prominent Lakota spiritual leader, had a vision of soldiers falling into the camp like locusts. This vision served as a warning of the impending conflict and prepared the Native warriors for the battle to come. However, Chief Whiteman emphasized that the significance of Medicine Deer Rock extends beyond the immediate context of the battle. He believes that the rock reminds them that the "old formula of resistance, of being against something, is over now."
He argued that the time for simply opposing external forces has passed and that Native communities must now focus on proactively standing up for what they believe in. This shift in perspective represents a move towards a more positive and constructive approach to addressing the challenges facing Native communities. The future lies not in perpetual resistance but in building a future based on peace, balance, and harmony.
Chief Whiteman further elaborated on this vision of unity, stating that "in order for our two-legged to exist together collectively, we have to walk in peace, balance and harmony for all living things. Air, land, water, language, and culture are all one and the same." He emphasized the interconnectedness of all aspects of life and the importance of respecting and protecting the natural world. This holistic perspective underscores the profound spiritual and cultural values that are central to Native American identity.
He concluded by suggesting that the Battle of Little Big Horn is part of a larger "paradigm shift," a transformation in the way people think and relate to one another. He believes that the gathering at Rosebud Creek, near Medicine Deer Rock, prior to the battle, represents a crucial step in this shift, where ancestors came together with the intention of "learning to fight not to fight." This seemingly paradoxical statement suggests that the ultimate goal of resistance is not simply to defeat an enemy but to create a world where conflict is no longer necessary.
The Sun Dance and the Vision of Custer’s Arrival
The Sun Dance held at Rosebud Creek near Medicine Deer Rock on June 6, 1876, was a significant event in the lead-up to the Battle of Little Big Horn. Estimates suggest that between 6,000 and 10,000 people from different tribes gathered for the ceremony. This large-scale gathering demonstrates the level of unity and cooperation that existed among the various Native nations of the Plains.
Chief John Grass, a Hunkpapa Lakota, reported that Crazy Horse was present at the Sun Dance, and Sitting Bull was actively engaged in singing and "making himself holy." These actions underscore the spiritual significance of the event and the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of crisis. It was during this period that Sitting Bull received his vision of soldiers falling into the camp like locusts, confirming the impending arrival of Custer and his troops.
The Native warriors were well-prepared for the arrival of the U.S. Army. "We had scouts for many days watching Custer and Crook," Chief Grass testified in 1915. This intelligence gathering allowed them to anticipate the movements of the enemy and strategize accordingly. Chief Grass also revealed that a group of approximately 600 men deliberately left a trail for Custer to follow, luring him into a carefully planned ambush. "Custer never knew about this part of our march, but he should have known," Chief Grass stated.
Enduring Legacy
The descendants who gather each year at the Little Big Horn battlefield are not merely commemorating a historical event; they are reaffirming their commitment to the values of peace, unity, and cultural preservation. The Indian Memorial stands as a tangible symbol of this commitment, a place where the stories of Native American warriors can be told and honored. As Descendants Remember Battle of Little Big Horn, they ensure that the lessons of the past continue to guide the path towards a more just and equitable future for all. The act of remembering is a sacred duty. The Descendants Remember Battle of Little Big Horn.