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JUNE 27, 2001

Broken treaties and broken promises are the norm for the United States but the most expensive and most enduring might be the illegal taking of the Black Hills from the Sioux Nation.

The Sioux were promised the Black Hills in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. But the discovery of gold in the hills, manifest destiny, and an overall desire to get rid of Indians resulted in the loss of the historic and sacred land.

The Supreme Court eventually ruled the Sioux were wrongly deprived of the Black Hills, upholding a $17.1 million judgement, plus $88 million in interest, for the taking.

The money has since grown to more than $500 million. But Sioux tribal leaders have refused to accept the judgment, focusing instead on some way to reclaim the land.

Get the Story:
A broken treaty haunts the Black Hills (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 6/27)

Relevant Links:
The Black Hills Thievery Attempt - http://www.dickshovel.com/74-A.html