Blog: Activists need help to prevent sacred site from being sold

Wednesday, August 15, 2012  

"The sale is perfectly “legal,” but is it morally, ethically, and spiritually correct?

In a race against the clock, the Sioux Nation is fighting to save Pe’ Sla, one of its most sacred religious sites. Pe’ Sla, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is the epicenter of the creation story of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota nations. Tribal elders and spiritual leaders conduct ceremonies essential to their culture and beliefs at times of the year when the stars are in special alignment.

On August 25, 2012, approximately 1,942.66 acres, sold in 5 tracts of land, will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Once sold, it is highly likely that Pe’ Sla will be opened up for development, with the State of South Dakota building a road directly through it, according to a press release I stumbled across on Facebook. If the Sioux ever needed a savvy PR and fundraising team, now is the time, and it may be too late."

Get the Story:
Georgianne Nienaber: Sacred Native Site of Pe’Sla Threatened (LA Progressive 8/13)

Native Sun News: Venerated Lakota site put up on auction block (7/11)