Jenny Parker, Northern Cheyenne, "Brave Woman", Mabel Killsnight, Northern Cheyenne, Mel Lone Hill, Oglala, Ride Organizer and Jerry Jumping Bull, Oglala rider enjoyed some time renewing old friendships at the Cheyenne camp near Busby, Montana.
Ride to Greasy Grass: An Oglala, Cheyenne tradition
Mel Lone Hill has spearheaded the ride for 21 years
By Clara Caufield
Native Sun News Correspondent BUSBY, Mont. — On a beautiful late spring evening Northern Cheyenne and Oglala Sioux gathered in a peaceful meadow near Busby, Montana to observe the 21st anniversary of the Ride. The Oglala riders, organized by Mel Lone Hill and the Jumping Bull families have been coming from Pine Ridge each year to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. On the June 25 anniversary, they make a symbolic charge at the Battlefield. And, for all that time, several Northern Cheyenne families have helped them by providing camping sites and feeding the riders, which involves a considerable number of people, including Cheyenne, who come to join the festivities. The Northern Cheyenne look forward to the annual event saying “The Sioux are here!” keeping track of their progress as they cross the Reservation. Following the same trail each year, the South Dakota riders are warmly greeting by honking horns, war whoops and cheers as they parade through Lame Deer. Over the years, the ride has cemented deep friendships between the Oglala ride organizers and several Cheyenne families. In earlier years, the Northern Cheyenne provided some financial assistance for the meals, but now these families feed their Sioux friends and relatives out of pocket. “These Oglala inspire us,” said Mabel and Roger Killsnight. “They use the ride experience to teach their children history and respect.” In the meantime, two other groups of riders have also organized. The Cheyenne River Sioux and the Northern Cheyenne Morning Star Riders also make their way to the Battlefield to charge and parade on June 25 each year. “I’m very glad to see that,” Lone Hill noted. “It took all of us together to win the Battle and maybe someday we’ll all get together and ride to the Battlefield again. Wouldn’t that be something to see?” Mel Lone Hill, key organizer for the event is glad to see this development, explaining how the ride first started. Years ago, Gerard Baker, a Hidatsa Indian, was the superintendent of the Battlefield. “He contacted us, suggesting that it was time for the Sioux to participate in the Battlefield events,” Lone Hill said. “At the time, I was the vice president of the Tribe. He asked if the Sioux wanted to participate in the anniversary events. Our community members and they agreed that a memorial ride would be the best thing to do. We have always been horse people and we always will be.” This year marked the first time that Lone Hill could not actually complete the entire ride because of failing health. (A misdiagnosis and the wrong medication from I.H.S. left him unable to walk). He did, however, make the trip as senior advisor and was thrilled to get to ride for about an hour. “They hoisted me up in the saddle. I rode for about an hour and man did that feel good,” he smiled. The first year was experimental, Hill recalled, but when the Sioux arrived in Ashland, Mont., they were warmly welcomed by several Cheyenne. “They had a drum group and brought food to feed us,” Mel said. “Sharing what they had in our traditional way.” For several years, the Oglala Tribe provided some financial assistance for the riders, but now the riders rely primarily on fundraising to bring the group, averaging about fifty riders, sixty horses and support crews. Some of the original Cheyenne to welcome the Sioux included Teddy Woodenthigh, Joe Fox, Sr., Eddie Foote, Jenny Parker and family, the Hazel Killsnight family, the Bill Tallbull family and many others. Many of those people have “gone to the next camp,” but others such as the Parkers, Killsnights and Sioux families, faithfully continue helping the Sioux each year, maintaining deep bonds of friendship with the Oglala. Indeed, last year the Oglala riders officially adopted Jenny Parker, Northern Cheyenne elder, giving her the Sioux name “Brave Woman.” “This is your grandmother, sister or your aunt,” Lone Hill reminded the crowd. “Greet her and respect her. She is part of our family. We are all related.” Over the years, other Northern Cheyenne have stepped in including Mabel and Roger Killsnight and family; and Rosita Sioux and family. Help from the Cheyennes is provided at their personal expense and is essential to the Oglala Sioux riders, Lone Hill explained. “We also come on our personal dime and we are not rich people either,” he noted. He joked that “blown or flat tires” are a major problem. “But, we can change one pretty quick, even if we have to borrow from one another.” A major purpose of the ride is educational. Lone Hill and other elders spend much time during the event talking to the younger riders, encouraging them to honor and respect the Battle, as a major event in tribal history that must never be forgotten. “We ride to remember and honor our ancestors and allies who lost their lives at the Battle. We share stories about our great warrior such as Crazy Horse, one of the greatest who ever lived. He was sort of an outcast, but he fought for the freedom of the people.” “We are still the only ones who beat the U.S. Calvary in the field of Battle,” Jerry Jumping Eagle, a stalwart on the ride since it started said. Mel Lone Hill smiled. “The ride is a hands-on way to learn history. The young ones who are making the ride with us will keep it going after I’m gone.” (Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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