Native Americans from tribes all around the Northern Plains are running on foot, riding on horseback or driving by vehicle to convene at the Fort Laramie Historic Site in eastern Wyoming for the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. The commemoration kicks off Saturday, April 28.
The treaty was intended to bring an end to the Indian Wars of the mid-1800’s by agreeing to give the Black Hills to the Lakota tribes if they agreed to cede the Bozeman Trail. The famous Ogalala Lakota chief Red Cloud signed the treaty. Many tribes want to see more of the treaty upheld by the U.S. government, including agreements to provide adequate education and health care.
Ashley Harpstreith is with the Goshen County Economic Development. She said that history and its modern implications will be discussed at the event by tribal, state and federal leaders. She said the weather is expected to be beautiful.
“And there’s going to be about five days of different commemorations and traditional blessings. And there’ll be other short tours throughout the day and small guided groups on treaty exhibits. There’s also be a native arts market place,” she said.
The commemoration starts at 10 a.m. with a traditional opening blessing. Wyoming’s U.S. Senator John Barrasso is scheduled to attend, along with Governor Matt Mead. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about where to stay, visit gogoshen.net.