Indian perspective on Last Stand

Spectators marvel at re-enactment of Little Bighorn

Crow historian Joe Medicine Crow wrote narration for event

By Susan OlpThe annual presentation, put on by the Hardin Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, is told from the perspective of the Indians, written by Crow historian Joe Medicine Crow. A series of narrators take audience members through a brief history of that time, describing the lifestyle of the Plains Indians, the explorations of Lewis and Clark, the coming of white settlers by wagon train, the pain of broken treaties and the increasing tensions that lead, finally, to the battle.

At the start of the pageant, Medicine Crow sings a tribute to Custer and to Crazy Horse, the Sioux warrior who led the band that encircled and then killed Custer and his soldiers. Then a recording of taps is played to honor those who died in the battle.Comment:  Interesting that the Indians would sing to Custer as well as Crazy Horse. It could be an example of their values at work. Mainstream Americans honor only our side because that's all we care about. Indians honor everyone who fought, including the enemy, because they respect the warrior spirit more than victory.

For more on the subject, see Review of Little Bighorn Remembered and Reenacting Little Bighorn.

Below:  "Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, played by Rick Williams of Versailles, Ind., charges Friday during the Custer's Last Stand Re-enactment near Hardin." (James Woodcock/Gazette Staff)