More and more non-Indians are seeking access to sacred Bear Butte, causing clashes with tribal members who practice their religion at the South Dakota site.

Sonny Richards, a tribal member who goes to Bear Butte State Park, says non-Indians try to join Indian ceremonies. Park manager Jim Jandreau, a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, says non-Indians think they have the right to do what they want during tribal ceremonies.

The Legislature's State-Tribal Relations Committee held a hearing yesterday to discuss management of the park. A forum that was established to improve Indian access has had positive impacts, the committee was told.

Get the Story:
Religious groups clash over Bear Butte (The Rapid City Journal 7/16)
Legislators hear complaints about religious use of Bear Butte (AP 7/15)

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