Thousands of people are expected for a gathering at sacred Bear Butte in South Dakota.

Organizers have planned a month-long encampment at the base of Bear Butte. They are protesting encroachment on a site used by dozens of tribes for prayers, ceremonies and spiritual gatherings.

The encampment coincides with the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally in August. Tribes and Native activists have been fighting the expansion of bars and concert venues associated with the rally.

Some people have already started to arrive at Bear Butte. A ceremony at 1pm today marks the start of the gathering.

Get the Story:
Activists gather at Bear (The Rapid City Journal 7/4)

Relevant Links:
Bear Butte International Alliance - http://matopaha.org/wp
Defenders of the Black Hills - http://www.defendblackhills.org

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