Cheyenne’s in the forefront of planning 150th Anniversary of Where Yellow Hair Got Wiped Out

LAMEDEER – The Cheyenne called Custer “Yellow Hair,” and the Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876 “Where Yellow Hair Got Wiped Out.” This year marks the 150th anniversary of that short-lived victory for the Northern Cheyenne and their allies. It is a deeply significant date in Northern Cheyenne history, and the Tribe wants their role presented according to the Cheyenne viewpoint, one that has often been overshadowed by historical interpreters who emphasized the Sioux presence, particularly the stories associated with Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.

“While we honor and respect that view, it is also true that in historical presentations, the Northern Cheyenne have been mentioned almost as an afterthought,” commented Eugene Littlecoyote. He is a former Tribal President, current assistant to Vice President Ernest Littlemouth, and well versed in the battle, including the oral and traditional Cheyenne perspective.

About a year ago, in fulfillment of the federally mandated tribal consultation, the National Park Service sent letters and emails to all Tribes involved in the battle, inviting them to participate in developing temporary displays for the 150th observance. This is especially important because the new visitor’s center will not be complete by then. Permanent displays will be presented when that facility is finished, now anticipated in March 2027.

However, as the NPS Battlefield Superintendent reported, few Tribes have responded to that invitation. The exceptions have been the Cheyenne and the Crow, likely because both are in close proximity to the Battlefield. “We want to encourage the other Tribes to engage,” said James Novitsky, Acting Battlefield Superintendent. “The door is open.”

In late April, Littlemouth and Littlecoyote, along with tribal member and Native Sun News journalist Clara Caufield, met with the Battlefield superintendent; the Director of the Britton Museum in Big Horn, WY, which holds vast collections of historical information about the battle; and NPS historical interpretive staff to review materials being developed for the Northern Cheyenne temporary display for the 150th commemoration. Other permanent displays will be featured when the new visitors center is completed and opened, now scheduled for March 2027.

The temporary Cheyenne displays will center on two major themes. The first highlights significant events leading to the battle, beginning in April 1867, all of which involved the Cheyenne. The second focuses on the role of “warrior women,” including Buffalo Calf Robe Woman, Kate Big Head, and North Woman. Two core concepts will be emphasized throughout: “We are still here” and “It will not be over until the hearts of the women are lying on the ground.”

In keeping with the federal consultation process, Novitsky noted that all Tribes were contacted and asked to help design temporary displays for the 150th anniversary. While the Northern Cheyenne and Crow have actively participated, perhaps because of close geographic proximity, most of the other Tribes have not been very involved. The NPS encourages those Tribes to reach out and help design presentations about their role in the battle. They are invited to contact the Park Service at the Battlefield to schedule such consultations.

(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennereview@gmail.com)

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