Native American tribes are marking the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Greasy Grass, commonly known as the Battle of Little Bighorn, with commemorative events including horse rides, reenactments, and cultural gatherings. The anniversary on Thursday marks a significant moment when allied tribes united to defeat U.S. Army forces, preserving their way of life against westward expansion. The battle resulted in the deaths of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and more than 200 of his troops.
Events are taking place at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana and at reservations in the Dakotas. Hundreds of people, including horse riders from the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota, have traveled to the Crow Agency area in Montana. Families are sharing oral histories, while at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, traditional songs, dances, and horse races are being held.
William Good Bird, a traditional singer from the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation, described the gathering as a declaration of their enduring presence. "We're still here," he said, emphasizing the celebration of their lives and connection to the land.
Historical Context of the Battle
The Battle of Greasy Grass occurred in 1876, amidst a military campaign against Great Plains tribes spurred by the discovery of gold in the Black Hills. Historians note that while other Native victories occurred between 1876 and 1877, the Battle of Greasy Grass gained national attention due to the death of Custer. At the time, the Lakota, led by figures like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, were a powerful force whose warriors overwhelmed Custer's troops.
News of the defeat coincided with the United States' centennial celebration, creating a national shock. The federal government subsequently intensified efforts to subdue Native American resistance, leading to hardship and upheaval. Key leaders like Crazy Horse were killed, and many surrendered due to starvation.
Legacies and Perspectives
Jon Eagle Sr., a former Standing Rock tribal historic preservation officer, shared a perspective on Sitting Bull's decision not to surrender, highlighting an understanding of the profound changes facing future generations. Sitting Bull was later killed in 1890.
Biographer T.J. Stiles described Custer as a distinguished combat officer who struggled with leadership's managerial aspects. Custer led the Seventh Cavalry from Fort Abraham Lincoln in North Dakota, from where he led expeditions, including one that confirmed gold in the Black Hills.
While Custer is remembered by some in the U.S. as a tragic hero, historian Dakota Goodhouse suggested that Custer, who learned Native languages, could be seen as progressive by some, even as the government pursued policies to displace Native Americans and suppress their languages. However, for many Native Americans, the country's upcoming 250th anniversary of independence is not a cause for celebration but a marker of ongoing injustice.
Contemporary Commemorations
Reenactments, often involving hundreds of warriors and based on Northern Cheyenne oral history, have taken place for over 30 years. These events emphasize horsemanship and the preservation of Native languages, which are considered vital to cultural identity.
The current commemorations feature a celebratory atmosphere, with horse riders, traditional singing, drumming, and the display of tribal flags. Hundreds of people from various tribes are camped along the Little Bighorn River, viewing the event as a source of renewal. At Standing Rock, horse races honor the "horse nation" and traditional celebrations of oral histories and victory songs are part of the observances.
Participants share the significance of these gatherings, passing down narratives of their ancestors' strength and resilience to younger generations. The events serve as a testament to the endurance of Native peoples and their deep connection to their heritage and land.