“Peace Through Unity”

Draft Agenda - Dedication of the Indian Memorial - JUNE 25, 2003

This agenda was developed by planning meetings held in February & March, and will be finalized in June, by tribal representatives and NPS staff at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

Sunrise - 9 a.m.: Indian Memorial Dedication (site)

(Private/tribal ceremonies with spiritual people. Not open to the public or the media at request of tribal planning group).

"Prayer for Peace" & Pipe Ceremonies: Donlin Many Bad Horses (Northern Cheyenne); Orville Looking Horse (Lakota) recommended; Other ceremonial/medicine men

Post Colors/Circle of Flags around Indian Memorial: Tribal veterans, tribal flags and honor songs; 7th U.S. Cavalry invited to participate with Regimental Standard

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Official Program (V.C. amphitheater) 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: 

Welcome/Introductions: Co-Masters of Ceremony: Barbara Sutteer, Gerard Baker, & Neil Mangum (former superintendents)

Opening Prayer: Orville Looking Horse (Lakota/Cheyenne River)

Opening Address: Chairman Carl Venne (Crow Tribe/Host)

Keynote Speakers & Special Guests:

President George Bush III, former President George Bush, or representative, i.e. Secretary of Interior Gale Norton

U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado (Confirmed)

Former U.S. Congressman Pat Williams of Montana (Confirmed)

Montana Governor Judy Martz (Confirmed)

Descendant of Sitting Bull/Lakota/Hunkpapa

Descendant of Crazy Horse/Lakota/Minnecoujou (Confirmed)

Fort Peck Sioux Tribes (Confirmed)

Others to be designated

Acknowledgements:

Indian Communities: Descendants, elders, etc.

Indian Memorial Advisory Committee & Artists

U.S. Senator Max Baucus of Montana

U.S. Senator Conrad Burns of Montana

Montana Representative Denny Rehberg

Others to be determined by planning group

Roll call & Honor song for Indians who fought and died here.

1 p.m. - Sunset: Open Forum, Other Speakers & Presentations, Such as:

Descendants/Elders of Battle Participants

American Indian veterans & Veteran Honor Roll

Indian Memorial Artists & Advisory Committee Members

American Indian Movement

Historians, History Groups

Inter-tribal drum groups with honor songs, victory songs and dance

Performing Artists

Horseback riders

3 p.m. - Unveiling of unknown Lakota Warrior marker at Wooden Leg Hill: NPS, Lakota representatives, and others

4 p.m.+: CROW TRIBE WILL HOST:

4 p.m. - Ultimate Warrior Competition

6 p.m. - Chairman's Reception & Buffalo BBQ

7 p.m. - Rodeo/Races

9 p.m. - Powwow

(For information, call Marvin Dawes or Henry Realbird at 406-638-3774)

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