Chuck Camp, winner of the Capture the Flag Race, leads the Grand Entry. Photo by Aly Duncan Neely

Law | National

Native Sun News: Oglala Sioux Tribe celebrates historic victories

Friday, July 1, 2016

White Plume Hemp Victory Day Celebration and Lakota War Pony Races

By Aly Duncan Neely
Native Sun News Correspondent
www.nsweekly.com

MANDERSON –– There was plenty of cause for celebrating at Kiza Park Saturday, June 25. The 2016 Lakota War Pony Races, commemorated the 1876 victory over the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of Greasy Grass, also known as the Battle of Little Big Horn, and the termination of a federal injunction preventing the growing of hemp on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

For three years, 2000, 2001, and 2002, Alex White Plume had attempted to plant, grow and harvest hemp. Each time his crops were destroyed by the federal government until an injunction was declared against him, forbidding him to plant any more marijuana crops.

Finally, this year, the injunction was lifted. White Plume waited 14 years to plant another crop, which he intends to use for building more energy efficient hemp bale structures, among many other practical uses. The White Plumes had a lot to celebrate, and celebrate they did!

Opening ceremonies included a warm welcome by OST President, John Yellow Bird-Steel, a dance with Deb White Plume, Kent Lesbock and others. This was followed by an introduction to the event by the Master of Ceremonies. An inspiring description of historical events leading up to and including the Battle of Greasy Grass, encouraging young Lakota people to learn about their treaties and cultural heritage was followed by the offering of prayers.

The Races began with a warm-ups and a Grand Entry of all the registered horses and riders, joined by Alex White Plume and many others on horseback. The race classifications were divided by age 6-9 year olds, 10-13, 14-17, and Women’s and Men’s.

A wide variety of racing events included: an Over and Back Race on horseback across the field, around a brave human fence post and back to the finish/starting line; the Over and Back Horse Pulling Race with the horse being led by the rider around the human fence post; and the entertaining Find the Lost Boots Race, where the entrants removed their boots, piled them in a large bag, rode to the “fencepost,” dismounted, found and donned their boots, remounted, and raced back to the finish line.

After a short break the races resumed. Tyson White Plume championed the difficult Lance and Hoop-threading Race. Miss Hailey Goings took first place in the Woman’s Half Mile Saddle Race. Chuck Camp and Tyson White Plume were the winning duo of the Fallen Warrior Rescue Race, while Lorrel Goings won the breathtaking Men’s One Mile Bareback Race.