Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Mitakuye,

        I was very surprised to read the news that we have won 'victory' in the court case involving the climbers at Grey Horn Butte, a.k.a. Devils Tower.

        I would like to say 'wopila' to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in supporting this very important issue in preserving our sacred sites and the right to practice our traditional, spiritual ways. I am thankful my tribe walked this all the way to the Supreme Court. It will set a precedent in continuing to protect all sacred sites in this country.

        In 1996, when the Unity Ride was en route to Grey Horn Butte to the World Peace and Prayer Day June 21, we found we were up against senseless attitudes from the state, the Park Service and the government over fears we could not understand. All we wanted to do was come together with different nations, with their prophecies and spiritual beliefs, and pray for peace, global healing and to bring awareness to the significance of the sacred sites and what they mean to us.

        As the ride got closer, organizers were negotiating the entry of the riders, the number of people gathering at our sacred site. They were limiting the number that could attend. They spoke of various fears of radical outbursts from the First Nations people.

        After days of negotiating, President Clinton submitted a support statement indicating that the First Nations should be able to pray at their sacred sites in peace and without intrusions or any other possible conflicts.

        At this point the climbers were unhappy that they could not climb during June. They felt their freedom was violated. They filed suit against the Game Fish and Parks and the members of the people who attended the ceremony at Grey Horn Butte. It was then the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe stepped in and supported our efforts in this court case, because I am a member.

        On June 21, we will once again return to the sacred Black Hills 'heart of everything that is' for a Wopila Ceremony after taking the World Peace and Prayer Day to the four directions over four years.

        I would like to invite each and every one of you to this ceremony, as on this day, many nations and spiritual beliefs around the world will be gathered in prayer for global healing.

        We also will be honoring the youth and those who were adopted out.

        I am very thankful for all the prayers and the people who stood up for the awareness of preserving our sacred sites and the sacredness these places hold for our people.

        In our Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning! May Peace be with you all.

Mitakuye Oyasin,

/S/ Arvol Looking Horse

Dr. Arvol Looking Horse is the 19th generation
"Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe".