Lakota riders approach Greasy Grass Battlefield in Montana. Photo by A Cheyenne Voice
Oglala riders complete Little Bighorn Ride
By Clara Caufield
Native Sun News Correspondent LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD, Mont. –– The organizers of the annual Oglala Little Bighorn Ride are getting older and some such as Wilmer Mesteth have ridden to the next camp. But veterans Mel Lone Hill, Wendell Yellow Bull, Chubbs Thunder Hawk and Shorty Brewer are still leading Oglala riders to Montana, in the process teaching younger tribal members about “When Long Hair was Wiped Out.” This year, about 80 young riders and support crew from Pine Ridge participated in the 24th annual trek, in solemn observation of the 139th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Indeed, the smallest rider this year was 9 month Tallen, Mel Lone Hill’s grandson carried in the arms of his mother Roxanne for much of the ride. They spent several days riding across the Northern Cheyenne reservation to reach the Battlefield for a colorful mounted horseback charge on June 25, followed by a solemn morning pipe ceremony. This year, they were joined by several Northern Cheyenne riders. During the week, they were hosted and feasted by Northern Cheyenne families including Jenny Parker, Rosita Sioux, Roger and Mabel Killsnight. In the past, Priscilla and Linwood Tallbull, Busby also hosted the riders for many years. On Tuesday, June 22, the Sioux ride organizers visited with Northern Cheyenne President, Llevando “Cowboy” Fisher and Jenny Parker at camp near Busby reminiscing about how the Northern Cheyenne and Sioux began collaborating in 1994. “It is good that the Sioux come every year,” said Cowboy who was also the Tribal President then. “At short notice, I asked Jenny Parker, then a Council member and the late Teddy and Lillian Woodenthigh (half Sioux) to prepare a meal for the riders who had arrived in Ashland. We provided a $150 food voucher and with their generosity, that started a tradition, still going strong today. Over the years, other Cheyenne families, out of personal generosity have joined in. I’m glad to see that.” This year, Fisher brought nine horses to the ride and seven of his grandchildren rode with the Oglala. Several of these same children also joined the Northern Cheyenne Morning Star riders who also travel by horseback to the Battlefield on June 25. “I want my grandchildren to know the Sioux people,” Fisher said. “The Battle was only won because the Cheyenne and Sioux were together. We should stress that unity today.” Chubbs Thunder Hawk told how the ride started. Then, a group of Oglala worked to engage youth at Pine Ridge in the horse culture as a means of combating drugs, alcohol, gangs and teen pregnancy. “Since then, we have been re-educating them about ceremony and culture. That includes remembering our ancestors at the Little Bighorn Battle and the annual commemoration ride,” he explained. Thunder Hawk has played a key role in the annual Pipe Ceremony, victory songs etc. held at the Battlefield. However, he is careful to say that he is just a “common man, trying to live by traditional ways.” In 2015, he rejoined the ride, missing several years due to a horse-related injury. Mel Lone Hill has been a driving force for the ride from the beginning. The former tribal Vice-President, retired BIA employee, Vietnam Veteran and “old bronc rider” lives in Wakapamni (Giving Place) on the Pine Ridge Reservation where he and his wife Geneva raise horses. A fluent Lakota speaker he carries the Oglala name Wagliwhi (Comes after his Things), named for his great-grandfather. “Over the years, we have become very close friends with many Cheyenne,” Lone Hill reflected. “I miss visiting with some of the old ones who are gone now.” Throughout the year, ride organizers conduct fundraising for the event including raffles and bingo games, he said. Yet, the participants still incur many personal expenses during the event. “We are not wealthy people,” Lone Hill emphasized. “We change a lot of flat tires along the way. But we have one another and the Cheyenne help us. In that way we are rich.” “Jenny Parker has been with us since day one,” he remarked. “In 2014, we formally adopted her and gave her the Oglala name Brave Woman. She is our sister, mother and grandmother. We acknowledge her.” Parker, Arikira Woman to the Cheyenne, shares deep affection for her Oglala relatives. “We need more inter-tribal unity,” she stresses. “Like we were in 1876. Together we could still accomplish great things.” Fisher also mentioned that Northern Cheyenne Tim Lame Woman and Russell Means, Oglala Lakota and many tribal representatives worked together to gain the Battlefield name change and Indian Memorial, a classic example of intertribal collaboration. The entire Parker family becomes engaged in the annual visit from their Sioux brothers and sisters. Jenny is especially proud of her fifteen year old granddaughter Sharlyce Parker, a St. Labre junior and academic achiever who has ridden with the Oglala since she was seven years old. ‘We are all friends,” said the Cheyenne teenager. “I like to see them every year.” Wendell Yellow Bull explained that traditional teaching underscores the event. Each morning begins with prayer, teaching lesson and has a theme. Monday, for example was Women’s Day, where Jenny Parker, a Northern Cheyenne Sun Dance woman was honored to load her own pipe, smoke and pray assisted by Sharlyce and Mel Lone Hill’s granddaughter. Other days were dedicated to the warriors of old; the Battle, peace and unity. For example, during the long odyssey across Cheyenne country, the riders stop at the home of Inez Wilson, Northern Cheyenne elder to learn about the Battle of Chief Lame Deer, circa 1800’s. Chief Lame Deer’s grave is nearby and the town of Lame Deer, central community on the reservation is named after this historical Sioux chief. “The youth learn that the Cheyenne and Sioux have deep connections, even today,” Lone Hill said. Though the 2015 ride was slightly marred by an accident involving a fractious race horse, it concluded with a moving Pipe Ceremony on the morning of June 25 on a secluded hill near the Battlefield. Lone Hill, sitting in the place of honor with his sister Jenny offered a prayer for unity and ancestors. Four Honor songs were offered, accompanied by round dancing in remembrance of Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Two Moons and all of our ancestors. “You should record these songs, learn them and sing them,” the announcer encouraged the crowd. Lone Hill also introduced and acknowledged the oldest traditional Cheyenne Chief, Rock Red Cherries. “It all turned out good,” Lone Hill said. “We’ll be back again next year for the 140th anniversary.” “And, we will be ready for you, my old friend,” Parker smiled. “Bring all your friends and relatives. It will be a big year. Let’s join together for it.” (Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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