The Sioux Indian Nations have struggled through a century of injustices. One of the few Indian Nations to claim victory against the American Military in defeating General Custer and his Men at Little Big Horn. The Sioux Indians consisting of the Lokota, Dakota, and Nakota tribes were granted The Black Hills land by reason of the treaty of Fort Laramie, 1868. Future events such as the Western gold rush created a new influx of prospectors which further encroached upon the Sioux lands and the Black Hills region. The area continues to be infringed upon with the land struggles over mineral extraction, recreational use and competing religious activities.
The Black Hills are the center of Life for the Sioux. Every summer to recognize the significance of the region and pay homage they coordinate a run in the distance of 500 miles in a period of five days. the run symbolizes a mythical footrace between the two legged man and four legged to determine who was wiser and stronger. They currently run to renew their spirituality and recognize their land they did not surrender or trade. The track or path they run upon is red in color and the belief is that the ground is stained by the blod of animals who have raced upon it.
The run is in the area of Mato Tipila, "which means 'Bear Tower' in Lakota, is a monolithic igneous intrusion or volcanic neck located in the Black Hills near Hulett and Sundance in Crook County, northeastern Wyoming, above the Belle Fourche River. It rises dramatically 1,267 ft) above the surrounding terrain and the summit is 5,112 ft above sea level."
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| http://www.oneofmanyfeathers.com/mato_tipila.html |
The stone structure became an iconic figure when used as a backdrop and significant storyline in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
This created significant exposure to the area and the mountain became a magnet to recreational climbers. The mountain is in a National Park area and is patrolled by Federal Park Rangers. The Federal Park has recognized the religious significance of the site and has attempted to limit climbers on the site especially during the month of June and the Summer Solstice. the actions of the Parks Service reduced climbers by 85%. The issue has been challenged in court arguing that it is restrictive of an individuals freedom to climb a Park resource. Th e Indian Nation feels it is a sign of disrespect and lack of understanding for their religious prayers and following.They believe that the issue is a matter of being provided mutual respect through accommodation. But they also believe that they are subject to the manners of western culture which is based on materialism and
http://www.pbs.org/pov/inthelightofreverence/
Youth Runner, https://cantetenza.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/completing-the-circle-building-leaders
Mato Tipila, http://www.oneofmanyfeathers.com/mato_tipila.html
Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Dir. Steven Spielberg. Sony Pictures, 1977
Great post, it unbelievable to think the land the Natives still lost some of the land even though they had a treaty in place. It just shows how difficult it was for Natives.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. Wasn't aware of any of this and I find it fascinating that all this great history is within our nation. As far as the climbers go, this is very disturbing. If it is disrespectful to the Indian nation, you don't do it! It should be a no brainer. These kinds of things get me going because these individuals put their personal ambitions before the religious and sacred significance of others. National parks have many restrictions and its not the right of insensitive morons to desecrate someone else's religious practices and freedoms. That's why we designate it as a national park so we can protect it. Again, great post!!
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