In response to objections from Lakota activists, an Arizona man has decided to change the name and location of a bar near sacred Bear Butte in South Dakota.

Jay Allen owns the Broken Spoke Saloon. He recently announced plans to build "Sacred Ground," a bar and concert venue that would operate during the Sturgis motorcycle rally, on 600 acres Bear Butte.

But after hearing from tribal members, Allen has dropped the "Sacred Ground" name and is moving the venue further away from Bear Butte. He also dropped plans to build tipis and erect an 80-foot statue of an Indian.

Bear Butte is one of the most important sites for Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Cheyenne and other tribes in the Plains. Tribal members go to Bear Butte to pray, worship and make offerings.

Get the Story:
Bear Butte biker bar to get new name and new location (The Rapid City Journal 10/28)

Relevant Links:
Defenders of the Black Hills - http://www.defendblackhills.org/defenders

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