Planned educational presentation becomes Black Hawk fiasco

By Carol Berry, Today correspondent

Story Published: May 4, 2010
Story Updated: May 4, 2010

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The moccasin telegraph began humming May 1 with the news that three Army Black Hawk helicopters from Colorado were trying to land at the Wounded Knee massacre site on the Pine Ridge Reservation, S.D., but that local residents were keeping them aloft, unable to touch down.

The site has been a point of contention, with some Oglala Lakota angered that Medals of Honor were never withdrawn from members of the 7th Cavalry who massacred Big Foot and his band of 146 Minneconjou, including old people, women and children, Dec. 29, 1890 at Wounded Knee Creek, and that it is still designated a "battlefield"rather than a massacre site by the federal government.

What was to have been an educational presentation for the Colorado Army National Guard by tribal historians became a community outburst, with men, women and youngsters gesturing and shouting at the hovering craft, telling them not to land and, at one point, confronting tribal officials who appeared at the site to talk to them.

Although one of the helicopters touched down briefly, people ran toward it and the three craft took off, headed for Rapid City, S.D. Protestors told a local television crew they consider the land sacred and did not know why the Army helicopters were attempting to land there.

The Colorado Army National Guard was invited to Wounded Knee by Theresa Two Bulls, Oglala Sioux Tribe president and other tribal leadership.

"We welcome(d) the opportunity to participate in paying tribute to those who lost their lives there," said Col. Joel Best, the Guard's Colorado Army aviation officer.

Two Bulls said the protest was by "community members who were given false information about the event," but did not specify the nature of the information. She said Wounded Knee district representatives had been informed about the event, which was also described on KILI radio, after Birgil Kills Straight, tribal parks and recreation director, told her the Colorado National Guard had requested the presentation by a tribal historian.

"While the Battle of Wounded Knee is a dark chapter in the history of the Army, without learning from the mistakes of our past we are doomed to repeat them," Capt. Michael Odgers, public affairs officer, said in prepared remarks. "This trip was taken to better understand our shared histories, and we hope those who protested the visit can begin to understand our motives."

A press release from Two Bulls' office said the Colorado Army National Guard commander told her "that the values of military leadership had failed, which resulted in the massacre."

"The opportunity to hear the true stories from the descendants of the Wounded Knee massacre would enable the National Guard members to realize the consequences of weak leadership," the release states.

Two Bulls said she honored the request "based on the need to begin the healing process by having the story told to America. The historical trauma, pain and suffering affected not only the descendants but all indigenous people across the Americas.

"The past has happened and we cannot change that, but we can start the healing. We as Lakota tend to forget the meaning of wolakota (peace). In keeping the spirit of healing moving forward, our stories need to be told. It is clear that there are men, women and children still willing to protect their homelands."

Two Bulls thanked the Colorado Army National Guard "who had an ethical purpose by wanting to know the truth" and who "came with open minds and hearts and wanted to know the real history."

Acknowledging that "there are many groups out there who are angry at the perceived 'invasion' of the sacred massacre site," she apologized for any miscommunication, said the healing process should begin, and concluded, "My hope is that the same healing energy can be utilized to heal our communities from drug and alcohol addictions, family violence and suicides."

The Guard said it "understands the importance of this site to the Native Americans and especially the Lakota tribe." Guard units were said to be visiting other historic sites by helicopter.

"It's unfortunate that this valuable learning opportunity was lost, and we sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding this visit created," Odgers said.

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