Native American Nonprofit Acquires Sacred Land in Black Hills
Amidst the growing Land Back movement, a Native American-led nonprofit, the Cheyenne River Youth Project, has purchased nearly 40 acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This acquisition is significant as it aims to restore access to Bear Butte State Park, a sacred site for the Lakota Nation.
Historically, the Black Hills were illegally seized by the U.S. government in the late 19th century, severing access to Bear Butte for the Lakota people. In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged the unlawful taking of the Black Hills and awarded the Lakota Nation $105 million. However, the Lakota have declined to accept the money, maintaining that their sacred lands are not for sale.
Julie Garreau, executive director of the Cheyenne River Youth Project, emphasized the urgency of this purchase due to the rapid development and rising land values in the area. She expressed concerns about the limited access to sacred sites for her people, citing the distance and exorbitant lodging costs during peak season.
The acquisition of this 40-acre tract adjacent to Bear Butte State Park represents a step towards reclaiming ancestral lands for the Lakota Nation. It aligns with the Land Back movement, which advocates for the restoration of Indigenous rights to their traditional territories.