Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
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As Tribal Chairwoman Madonna Archambeau said, "...a David and Goliath struggle...", the Yankton Sioux (Ihanktonwan) people are in an intense and anguished time, fighting for necessary time to ceremonially re-bury the remains of their ancestors that lay exposed on the banks of the Missouri River.

The history of these remains is not one of honor and respect. When the Ft. Randall dam was built in the early 50's, the traditional homelands of the Ihanktonwan were flooded, with little time for relocation. People still remember images of that haste; watermelons from their gardens and cows floating in the rising waters. The Corps of Engineers was to have relocated the White Swan graves, but obviously had not done so. In 1991, the Corps discovered the remains on the lowered shoreline, covered them with fabric and raised the water levels. In early December, the remains were exposed again and only a temporary restraining order, in effect until January 3, 2000, is preventing the Corps from resubmerging the the Ihanktonwan ancestors again.

Meanwhile, an encampment has been set up by river's edge, as a place of prayer and protection for the remains. Members of the recently-revived Braveheart Society and supportive men maintain the tipi camp. Historically, the primary function of the women's society was to tend the wounded and retrieve the dead.

The tremendous challenge for the Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Bravehearts is not limited to the obstinance of the Corps of Engineers. Retrieving the remains from 300,000 square feet of soft mud, with the possibility of more remains under the mud and underwater won't be an easy task.

While preparations are underway for ceremonial rituals, tribal representatives will return to court on January 3, 2000, but based on the failed mediation attempts on December 29th, they hold little hope that the Corps will soften its position.

I see faces of fatigue and anguish, but of strength too. They work day after long day, far into the night.

All they want is to do the right thing. In their hardship, their own spirituality can only become stronger.

Prayers, understanding, and encouragement are keeping them going.

Wopila,

/S/ Rosalie Little Thunder