Oglala Commemoration

Greetings to all, this year’s event was a success and many thanks to everyone who planned, travelled, cooked, volunteered, cleaned, made music, ran and danced to Commemorate the 40^th Anniversary of the Incident at Oglala.  This year’s event was marked with loss, after illness, Roselyn Jumping Bull, our Committee Chair walked on.  Roselyn’s passing has left a void in our Committee and we are grateful to her family for allowing us to continue with the Commemoration.  We miss Roselyn greatly and are appreciative of the unconditional support that she and her family has provided to the Committee these past 16 years, and will provide in the years to come.
In preparation for the event on the 26^th, the Committee and the Community gathered to set the agenda for the following day.  The 25^th promised to be a busy day of running around and preparing for the following day’s events; we began this year by kicking things off with the Leonard Peltier Support Group Forum; in attendance were like-minded individuals who came from near and far.  Leonard’s son, Chauncey, began the meeting by communicating to the group the focus that all the groups are to take in promoting the “Road to Clemency” Campaign for Leonard.  Rounds were made; all in attendance were afforded the opportunity to introduce oneself and to speak their thoughts and plans for Leonard’s Clemency.  The meeting then moved on to the Oglala Commemoration Committees planning meeting in which the Committee discussed the agenda for the events on June 26^th.  The Committee then shared a meal for those present
The 26^th began with the AIM Grassroots group from Rapid City hosting the 2^nd Annual Leonard Peltier Freedom run; joining the runners was Chase Iron Eyes who co-sponsored the Freedom Run.  The runners persevered through the distance and heat and were met at the Little Family Cemetery to resounding support.  Our congratulations to these runners for completing this endeavor, and our thanks and respect for their sacrifice
We had a great turnout at the Little Family Cemetery; there were as many cars as there were walkers.  As with every year, while waiting to get things rolling, we visited with old friends and made new ones.  Attendees were asked to circle up so that the Commemoration event could begin.  Prayers and words were shared by Committee member, Fred Cedar Face, welcomed everyone and reminded us the importance of what it is that we were there to commemorate as well as to send prayers up for a safe event, Leonard, Roselyn and for much needed healing throughout the community.  Fred provided a brief history of the events of June 26^th, and the lasting impact of that day which so affects many still. 
 
Leonard’s eldest son, Chauncey, read Leonard’s statement and briefly discussed how he has come to embrace his father’s legacy.  Chauncey then read Leonard’s annual statement.  Keeping things moving, Stanley Good Voice Elk and his drum provided the prayer and honor song and concluded with the AIM song.
 
The walkers lined up and set out for the Jumping Bull property, led by the AIM Grassroots lead vehicle, which carried the drum.  Leading the march were staff carriers, followed by the walkers and the vehicles.  The line extended back for approximately 1 mile, with both Commemoration Security and Tribal police providing security.  The walk concluded at the Jumping Bull property without incident
Upon arriving at the Jumping Bull Property, the walkers had a small snack of fruit and granola bars and Guy Dull Knife welcomed everyone on behalf of the Jumping Bull Property.  Prayers and honor songs were offered.
 
The Committee announced the 2015 winner of the Leonard Peltier Honorary Scholarship, Lucien Little Whiteman, a GED student who is continuing his education at the Oglala Lakota College.