OGLALA COMMEMORATION JUNE 26, 2004

5th Annual Oglala Commemoration: June 26th, 2004     The afternoon was beautiful and the temperature was once again perfect as people started to gather at the Little Family cemetery where ceremony would begin.   Lead by Mr. Clyde Red Shirt, prayers and pipe ceremony were held in remembrance of those who lost their lives, and for  the health, spirit and freedom of Leonard Peltier.

The Oglala Lakota Tribal Police escorted the 2 mile memorial walk to the Jumping Bull property. There words were said on many topics ranging from native voting rights, racism to the unsolved murders still facing our people today. A memorial give-away was hosted by grandmother Roselyn Jumping Bull for Lena Nelson, who had walked on from this life just a few short weeks ago. `Lena was one of the young ladies that was present at the firefight. After words were said and a memorial cake shared, people moved on down to the Lady of our Sioux Church hall.  Due to the passing of a community elder, we moved the venue out of respect for the family.  Our condolences go out to the family of Etta Young Man.

With help from the volunteers, the community feast was served and the evening began. First up to share their message with us was Pine Ridge's own hip-hop NATIVE ERA, followed by an up and coming little group of hip-hoppers NEW GENERATION. We also had folk music by DALE ALAN,  spoken poetry from LUKE WARM WATER, a special treat - local Lakota Blues band- STEEL RIVER. Headlining this years event was MR. ROBBY ROMERO, known from Red Thunder , his guitar work left us in awe. A special surprise appearance all the way from the Muskgee Nation of Oklahoma  SUGALOAF WATSON & THE RUB-A-DUBS, featuring Julian B, sharing his message of "Injununity" with us.  A special thanks goes out to the lovely Wayquay for hosting this show,  she did a great job and even enlighten us with her own words and songs.    We  truely missed the half of the committee family who couldn't make the trip this year, Andy Mader and the Landeros-Thomas family.

Native Era

New Generation

Robby Romero

Steel River

All in all, the event was another success and we wish to send out heartfelt thanks to Sister Connie at Our Lady of the Sioux Church.  Robert and Clint, who so desperately searched for a new venue, Sister Connie welcomed us.  We would also like to thank the OST Tribe, Lakota Student Alliance Security Crew lead by the Yellow Birds. Oasis Music, The Jumping Bull Family, The Little Family, KILI Radio, Gailson, Mr. Tom Poor Bear, Owen Black Elk, Elk Nation,  LPDC & support groups, AIM & support groups, Free Speech TV, Tokan Design, AISC of OSU, NAICCO of Ohio, OCNAA of Ohio, Native American Calling, Dreamkeepers.net, Camp Justice, Indian Country Today, Mennonie Central Committee, Native Youth Movement Vancouver, NAALA, Ghost Dance Bike Club,Clyde Red Shirt,  KDHX-St. Louis, and all the private individual donors and financial supporters and all the volunteers. All our speakers and musicians who donate their time and talents.   None of this would be possible if not for all of you. A special thanks for all the community support received it gave us the lift we needed.

We are very happy to announce that we will be awarding our first "Leonard Peltier Honorary Scholarship" coming this fall at the Oglala Lakota College . This scholarship will be awarded to one individual with a GED education.  Please check back on the home page as an online application will soon be added, also applications can be picked up at the College.

HOME

AUCTION