|
Laws protecting
places of worship from "undesirable" establishments protect
structures on city streets, not the Sioux's sacred Bear Butte. The
Sioux tribes treat the earth's mountains, rivers, and all living
things with reverence as they have their own spirit, guided by Wakan
Tanka. They respect the earth's spirits hoping to be with Wakan Tanka
after their earthly death.
The Fort Laramie
Treaty of 1868 guaranteed the Black Hills to the Sioux forever. The
President said, "As long as the rivers run and grass grows, and
trees bear leaves, Paha Sapa, the Black Hills, will forever be the
sacred land of the Lakota People." In 1874 Custer's expedition
confirmed the Black Hills gold deposits. Gold miners built a road
into the hills known by the Sioux as "Thieves Road."
Washington ignored protests from Sioux leaders.
Crazy Horse, who
never signed a treaty or even touched a pen, loved and defended his
people's sacred land. After his military defeat, Crazy Horse was
mocked and asked, "Where are your lands now_" He threw out
his left hand pointing to the horizon and said, "My lands are
where my dead are buried."
We need to honor
the treaty of 1868, and respect Paha Sapa, where their valiant dead
lay buried, defending their tribal honor. The current Bear Butte
debacle is the product of not honoring our promise to respect Sioux
sacred lands.
The Sioux enjoyed
their freedoms before 1776; long before 1492.
Maybe we will hear
from the men and women who ride their bikes from points all across
our great land to attend the Sturgis Rally. Sioux religion is being
disrespected at Bear Butte, intentional or not.
|
