As the morning sun rose over the Greasy Grass near Crow Agency, Montana, on June 25, 2026, hundreds of Native riders waited quietly on horseback atop a ridge overlooking the valley below. Then, with the thunder of hooves echoing across the prairie, they rode together in the commemorative horse charge—one of the most powerful moments of the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Known to many Native people as the Battle of the Greasy Grass, the anniversary brought together Tribal Nations, descendants, historians, National Park Service staff, veterans, educators, and visitors from across the United States and Canada for a day of remembrance, education, and cultural celebration.
Several members of the Maȟpíya Lúta community were among those in attendance. Staff, students, alumni, and their families traveled to Montana to witness the historic commemoration firsthand and participate in one of the largest gatherings marking this significant anniversary.
The events of June 25 were the culmination of nearly a week of activities. In the days leading up to the commemoration, hundreds of riders participated in a commemorative horse ride, traveling hundreds of miles through Tribal communities across South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Along the route, more riders joined the journey, creating a powerful expression of unity before arriving together at the Little Bighorn Battlefield.
Several miles from the battlefield, the Real Bird family’s land was transformed into a temporary camp created specifically for the anniversary. Organized by Tribal Nations and individual bands, hundreds of tipis stretched across the prairie, including a historic Council Tipi that served as an important gathering place throughout the week. Families and riders began arriving nearly a week before June 25, establishing camps that remained through the following weekend as the commemoration concluded. The temporary camp became much more than a place to stay—it was where relatives reunited, meals were shared, stories were told, and traditions were celebrated across generations.
Throughout the day, attendees gathered for opening ceremonies featuring Tribal leaders, veterans, and honored guests. Educational presentations and cultural demonstrations offered opportunities to learn from Native historians and descendants connected to the events of 1876. Special moments included an honoring recognizing Native women warriors for their strength and contributions throughout history, as well as a tribute to Gerard Baker (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara), former superintendent of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, whose leadership helped ensure Native perspectives became an integral part of interpreting the site’s history.
By afternoon, a thunderstorm rolled across the Montana prairie. While it briefly interrupted some activities, many Native attendees welcomed the rain as a blessing upon the gathering and those who had come together in remembrance.
As evening settled in, traditional songs, dances, and community celebrations continued at the powwow grounds and throughout the Real Bird family’s temporary camp. The day’s events reflected not only on history but also on the living cultures, enduring traditions, and relationships that continue to unite Tribal Nations today.
Reflecting on the experience, one Maȟpíya Lúta staff member shared: “I wanted to attend to honor our ancestors and remember the sacrifices they made so future generations could continue to live as Lakota people. Seeing hundreds of riders come over the hill together before the horse charge was one of the most powerful moments I’ve ever experienced.”
For those from Maȟpíya Lúta, the experience was a meaningful reminder that history is not only remembered through monuments and books, but also through language, family, ceremony, and community. As we continue our mission to preserve Lakota language, history, and culture, participating in commemorations such as this helps ensure these stories remain living traditions that inspire future generations while fostering greater understanding among all who seek to learn.