CRAZY HORSE, S.D. ? Against a backdrop of war, as bombers pelted terrorist enemies of the United States and other countries, Native American Day in South Dakota took on a somber mood and was melded with American patriotism.
Few celebrations took place in the state that replaced Columbus Day with Native American Day in 1990 after a year of reconciliation. The late Gov. George S. Mickelson declared a year of reconciliation between the American Indian and non-Indian community in keeping with beliefs his father, a former governor, encouraged.
Crazy Horse Memorial, site of the massive carving of the Lakota Warrior Chief Crazy Horse, has celebrated the event since its inception. With a lack of a substantial presence of American Indians, this year’s observance gave way to a more patriotic ceremony dedicated to police, fire and rescue workers.
On a per capita basis, American Indians have served in the armed forces in larger numbers than any other group in America. Since American Indian Day here followed by one day the bombing in Afghanistan, people were reminded of the American Indian contribution to America.
D. J. Jones, chief judge of the appellate court for the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, said what was taking place was being done for the youth, the seventh generation.
His remarks centered on visions of American Indians, visions that affected the future generations and the decisions made that were intended to save their lives and the lives of their children.
‘This is the time for unification. Find out what vision the young people have, because the young will inherit how we deal with this situation today,’ Jones said.
American Indians revere the eagle as not only a messenger but also as a model by which to live, said Luke Yellow Robe, cultural relations director for the Black Hills Children’s Home Society. ‘Be that new model for kids now.’
The eagle metaphor used by Yellow Robe encouraged people to prepare for the day and the future. He said the eagle spends at least one half hour each day secreting protective oil for its feathers. He encouraged people to spend the early hours of the day to prepare and do what’s important.
‘We live in the information society. We need to feed our intellect and in this new America help our children see individuals who are different and strive for true wisdom,’ Yellow Robe said.
The Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation took the opportunity to present a $500 check to support the Pine Ridge Search and Rescue members who traveled to New York to support the relief efforts at the World Trade Center. Also a $500 check was given to the SuAnne Big Crow Boys and Girls Club of Pine Ridge.
