Cankpe Opi

Kicking Bear


Today is the anniversary of the massacre of over 300 native Americans, mostly women and children, at Wounded Knee. The Wounded Knee Massacre represents not only a culmination of a clash of cultures and the abysmal failure of U.S. Indian policies, but also it marked the end of the American western frontier.

Eighteen or more Medals of Honor were bestowed to U.S. soldiers for their "bravery" in battle. In truth, physically weakened by hunger and illness, their souls heartsick and left without hope, the Indians at Wounded Knee stood little chance against the American regiment, well-armed with deadly Hotchkiss guns.



If you believe the honors bestowed to the soldiers were misguided, you can have your voice heard by requesting these medals be rescinded here. Rewarding and honorably recognizing the merciless slaughter of babies and unarmed women does a disservice to those American soldiers who truly deserved such accolates. There was no honor at Wounded Knee on this day, one hundred and fifteen years ago.

Yes, there were equal atrocities committed by Indians upon white settlers and we all know the eventual outcome. But stop and remember: Indians were the indigenous peoples and white settlers the "invaders". The annihilation of native peoples and their way of life is not a bright marker on our country's timeline. Still, it is our history and our sadness to bear. Seems there will never be a "cure" for ignorance or prejudice.

This site includes a brief synopsis with images of the massacre and an explanation of the Ghost Dance.

For a more current state of American Indian affairs, please visit the Village Earth Pine Ridge Project.

Too late for 2005, but a contribution to this program would have made an excellent and unique Christmas gift.

Some suggested reading for further enlightenment, the following books are a good starting points:

Crazy Horse, The strange man of the Oglalas – Mari Sandoz

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee – Dee Brown

My People the Sioux – Luther Standing Bear

A Sioux Chronicle – George E. Hyde

Stone Song – Win Blevins

The Last Warpath – Will Henry

Cheyenne Autumn – Mari Sandoz

The Dull Knifes of Pine Ridge – Joe Starita