Greg Grey Cloud was photographed by a friend as he was released from custody in Washington, D.C. Photo from Facebook

Greg Grey Cloud, a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, made national headlines for singing in Lakota after the Senate rejected a bill to approve the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline.

Grey Cloud, 28, said he wanted to honor the lawmakers who voted against S.2280. The bill failed by a vote of 59-41 -- one vote short of the 60 it needed to pass the chamber.

"All of us want to make it clear that this honor song was not a political stunt," Grey Cloud said on Facebook. "This was an opportunity to honor the hard work and courage shown by the Senators who voted against the tarsands pipeline, Tribal leaders, front line pipe line fighters and especially the courage, direction and support of our grandmothers."

The song was created by Howard Bad Hand, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, The Lakota Voice reported. Grey Cloud asked for permission to use the song and gave the translation as follows: "Grandfather look at me, I am standing here struggling, I am defending grandmother earth and I am chasing peace."

Grey Cloud was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police and was jailed on Tuesday evening. He was charged with a misdemeanor was given a December 10 court date.

Get the Story:
Lakota song leads to arrest during Keystone debate (USA Today 11/20)
The Post Keystone-Vote Outburst, Explained (The National Journal 11/19)

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