"It seems as though overreaction successfully was avoided last weekend after a controversy at the Wounded Knee memorial.

The Colorado Army National Guard unit seeking to land its helicopters at the site didn't know much about the site's history. In fact, the reason the Guard members were there was to learn more about the 1890 massacre.

The helicopter unit's commander, Capt. Todd Stansbury, sought permission to land at the memorial from Oglala Sioux President Theresa Two Bulls. In turn, she asked for input from Wounded Knee District representatives. Not hearing anything back, Stansbury's request was approved.

Despite her efforts, the Guard unit's three helicopters were greeted by protesters as they attempted to land. Not wanting confrontation, the unit instead flew to Rapid City.

The fact that there's still so much serious mistrust in Indian Country highlights the need for efforts such as the Year of Unity to take hold at the ground level. There need to be even more attempts, however awkward, on the part of non-Indians to learn more about Native American history."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Need for understanding begins at ground level (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/5)

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