Sun
7
Mar '10
There is no greater atrocity than the continual violation of our religious freedom and inherent right to partake in sacred ceremonies without being spiritually violated, or suffering from the destruction and blatant disregard of our sacred lands.
These Sacred lands are the bloodline and life way of our people and our traditions.
Bear Butte is a sacred mountain located in the Black Hills, eight miles east of Sturgis, South Dakota.
Bear Butte is sacred to many of the Plains Tribes, who continue to travel to the mountain each summer to pray and hold their annual ceremonies.
The blatant disregard for the spiritual beliefs and ceremonies of Native People and the sacredness of this mountain is evidenced by the increased presence of bars and large concert venues, excessive motorcycle noise pollution, helicopters, flashing strobe lights over the mountain and intoxicated campers nearby.
Each August, the Sturgis Bike Rally increases the population of Sturgis from 6,600 people to 500,000 literally overnight.
Traditional people travel to Bear Butte for annual ceremonies and to worship, from May through the end of August. Each year people are violated in ceremony with the extreme noise and commotion that the Rally brings towards the sacred mountain.