Oglala Sioux Tribe President Theresa Two Bulls apologized today for a mix-up that led to a protest at the Wounded Knee massacre site on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Two Bulls invited a unit from the National Guard to the reservation to learn more about the December 29, 1890, massacre. She relayed the plans to tribal council members and made an announcement on KILI Radio.

But some tribal members became worried when they learned that helicopters were landing next to the massacre site. During a protest that was described as peaceful, they chased away three helicopters on Saturday morning.

Two Bulls had hoped the event would start a healing process between the tribe and the U.S. military. But she said she understood the concerns of tribal members who may not have had all the information.

"I want to thank the Colorado Army National Guard unit who had an ethical purpose by wanting to know the truth," Two Bulls said in a press release today. "They came with open minds and hearts and wanted to know the real history."

"There are many groups out there who are angry at the perceived 'invasion' of the sacred massacre site," Two Bulls added. "I want to sincerely apologize for the lack of communication on behalf of the Wounded Knee District Representatives, the Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority and the Oglala Sioux Tribe."

Get the Story:
Lakota protesters chase off military helicopters at Wounded Knee (The Rapid City Journal 5/3)
Helicopters at Wounded Knee cause confusion (AP 5/3)