A Journey of healing begins

BROADUS, Mont – On Monday, September 22, a historic event took place in Broadus, Montana, a small town located on Highway 212 midway between Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and Bear Butte, the Sacred Mountain in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a route frequently traveled by Northern Cheyenne and Sioux. These travelers will now see a friendly sight in Broadus, often regarded as an unfriendly town to Natives.

One hundred and fifty people— representing Broadus residents and the Northern Cheyenne— gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a mural at the Broadus Corner Store, which commemorates the Northern Cheyenne. The mural was created at the request of the Kingsley History Project in Broadus by Northern Cheyenne artist Miah Chalfont Realbird.

In olden times, a small pioneer town called Kingsley existed near what is now Broadus, where many conflicts occurred between the Cheyenne, Sioux, and U.S. Calvary. The Kingsley History Project aims to designate that site as a historic location and seeks to involve the Northern Cheyenne and Sioux peoples in this effort. They also wish to have a Northern Cheyenne serve on their Board of Directors—a request that would be gladly appreciated.

With financial support from the Kingsley Foundation, Miah and her partner, Shawnee Realbird, organized the event to ensure the participation of Northern Cheyenne, especially elders. Thirty-six tribal elders, including traditional Chief Leon Seminole and Tribal President Gene Small, attended and even provided rides for some elders to get there.

As people arrived, seated themselves, and final arrangements were underway, a country-western band played old tunes, which was very much enjoyed by the Cheyenne elders. One elder, Woodrow Blackwolf, was even seen dancing a jig in the alleyway!

Speakers included Shawnee Realbird, a pilot—the first Indian woman to fly in Montana; photojournalist and poet; Miah Chalfont Realbird, artist; Leo Seminole, who led a prayer; Henry Real Bird, former Poet Laureate of Montana; Jade Sooktis, Northern Cheyenne (Montana State Rep. District 41); Tribal President Gene Small and warrior society headsman; John Amsden from the Kingsley History Project; Mina Seminole (recounting the Reynolds Battle); a Broadus County Commissioner; and Clara Caufield, Chair of the Northern Cheyenne Elderly Commission.

All the speakers addressed the importance of healing and forgiveness between the two diverse communities of Broadus and Northern Cheyenne. Both communities have deep historical roots and ties to the area, which was the site of many engagements between the military, Northern Cheyenne, and Sioux—particularly the Reynolds Battle of 1976, a significant precursor and influence on the Battle of Little Bighorn. While not everyone in each community may agree, the leaders have decided that 150 years is long enough to hold a grudge. As one speaker reminded, our ancestors were simply human beings caught in the grip of forces beyond their control, each side trying to do what was right for them at the time.

After the speeches, the oldest Northern Cheyenne in attendance, Betty Reynolds—a nurse retired after 40 years of service—was presented with a beautiful Pendleton blanket. All the other Cheyenne elders were gifted items before a lavish feast was provided by the Broadus community. It was a good day.

(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennereview@gmail.com)

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