Cheyenne’s prepare to welcome Sioux riders
LAME DEER, Mont. – June 25 will mark the 148th anniversary of the allied Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho triumph over the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Since 1993, delegations of Sioux have been journeying on horseback to Cheyenne Country to commemorate this significant historical event.
Currently, several Northern Cheyenne are planning and preparing to host their traditional allies, providing camping spots with ample grass and water for horses and “feeds” for the guests.
“About two hundred riders and accompanying support people are expected to attend,” said Diane Spotted Elk. A preliminary planning meeting was recently held between the organizers, such as Allison Sage, and Spotted Elk.
“It takes a lot of organization and planning to pull this off,” Spotted Elk noted.
In Ashland, the first stop in Cheyenne country, tribal council member Eva Foote, who has Sioux heritage, will provide a feed and camping spot. In former years, Jenny Parker who was taken as a sister by longtime Sioux organizer Mel Lonehill, hosted the allies in the Ashland area as did the Carlson family.
After that the riders will make their way to the Powwow Grounds at Lame Deer, where they will be graciously hosted by the Spotted Elk family (including this writer who had the opportunity to ride with them in the past). At that point Cheyenne and Arapaho riders will join them.
The next destination is Rosita Sioux’s home, located halfway between Lame Deer and the Battlefield. Rosita has been hosting this event for many years. It is important to mention that the hosts fund this themselves, with minimal support from the Tribal government.
“We are hoping to provide some fun activities for our Sioux relatives,” Spotted Elk, former Council member said. “Maybe hand games, drumming and a round dance. It is a very hard thing they do and often, they are so tired after long days of riding, but on the rest day at Rosita Sioux’s place there could be time to do that.”
Upon reaching the Battlefield, some of the Sioux have designated land for camping, and the Crow tribe will also extend a warm welcome to them, providing a place for camping as well.
The morning of the 25th kicks off with a sunrise prayer ceremony led by Cheyenne ceremonial leaders. This is followed by a dramatic “horseback charge on Custer’s Last Stand hill” a parade of horseback riders and runners traversing the Battlefield, speeches by tribal representatives, and a lunch provided by the Park Service.
“We will be very happy to welcome our Sioux relatives and friends,” said Ernest Little Mouth, Vice-President, Northern Cheyenne Tribe. “They always treat us good when we go to their country, and we need to reciprocate. If not for our Lakota and Dakota relatives, history would have been different.”
As of press time, the exact dates and details have not been finalized. Interested parties can contact Vice-President Littlemouth at 406-477-6284 for more information.
(Contact Clara Caufield at 2ndcheyennevoice@gmail.com)
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June 13, 2024