Westernaires to end Native portrayals, including Little Bighorn reenactment

A Colorado-based youth horsemanship group will end its portrayals of Native American culture, including a reenactment of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, according to The Denver Post, which quoted a letter by the Westernaires Board of Directors saying it will halt “all programs that teach and portray Native American dancing, riding or history in all our performances.” The letter cited  concerns about how Indigenous communities have been represented.

The decision follows years of criticism and renewed concerns raised by Native participants and community members. The group had previously ended its Native dance program in February amid outside pressure. Board members said they will evaluate programming with cultural awareness and listen to community feedback. Critics have said past performances included Native-inspired regalia and reenactments that perpetuated stereotypes.