Tribes plan to ‘rock’ the Little Bighorn Battlefield during 150th commemoration

As the 150-year mark approaches, more than 19 tribes have committed to participating in the event, which is expected to draw thousands of Native Americans and will include a tipi encampment. Participants plan to bring approximately 1,000 horses, according to early estimates. In 1876, about 7,000 Natives set up camp near the present-day battle site.

“For the 100th anniversary, the government mostly ran the ceremony,” Star Comes Out told those who filled the conference room at the DoubleTree Hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota. “For the 150th, we are going to switch that up. We’re going to rock the battlefield and do it in a good way.” The commemoration date is June 25, 2026, near Hardin, Montana, on the Crow Reservation and surrounding lands. Events are expected to span several days or longer.

At the Little Bighorn planning meeting on Saturday, Dec. 20, Star Comes Out encouraged all tribes and participants to work together. He has said that he helped kick off the meetings so everyone else could contribute and be central to the planning process. “This started in Casper, Wyoming, where we asked all tribes to come together as a movement of people,” said Russell Eagle Bear of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Several groups have already started organizing. Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, will lead the Pezishla Woksuya Memorial Ride to honor the 150th anniversary, a 360-mile route spanning 15 days. It will end on June 24, 2026, at the battlefield. The riders will depart from South Dakota. Meanwhile, respective committees have been created for logistics, communication, history, public relations and media, youth, genealogy, entertainment, fiscal sponsorships, finance, supplies, lodging, transportation and security. For many, the 150th anniversary will mark camaraderie among those with ties to the battle. “It was a major victory for us. Since that time, we’ve been hunted and put down,” said Eagle Bear. “We are going back 150 years later to say, ‘Hey, we’re still here.’ We want to honor those who lost their lives or helped maintain that battle.”

Anyone planning to attend should complete the Greasy Grass 150 survey to keep participants connected. In addition, the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association will soon be accepting donations for the event.