June 25 – 26, 2026 · Crow Agency, Montana
150 Years Since the Battle of the Greasy Grass
On June 25, 1876, Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors defended their families and sovereign lands along the Little Bighorn River. As the sesquicentennial approaches, Indian Country is organizing a tribal-led commemoration of Indigenous victory, resilience, and living history.
The Battle of the Greasy Grass
Known to the Lakota as Pezi Sla, the engagement was the largest defeat of U.S. forces during the Great Sioux War — and a defining moment of Indigenous sovereignty.
People gathered in the great encampment along the Greasy Grass valley
Warriors from Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho bands ready for defense
Hunkpapa, Oglala, Northern Cheyenne, Minneconjou, Sans Arc, and Arapaho
Of enduring resistance, legal battles, and the fight for the Black Hills
A Tribal-Led Movement
More than 19 tribes are planning a commemoration that centers Indigenous victory and resilience rather than the mythology that dominated the 1976 centennial.
Pezishla Woksuya Memorial Ride
A 360-mile spiritual journey led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, arriving at the battlefield on June 24, 2026. The ride honors those who gave their lives and demonstrates that the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho are still here.
Real Bird Reenactment
Hosted by the Real Bird family at Crow Agency on the banks of the Little Bighorn, this event uses Native riders portraying both sides of the conflict for an accurate depiction of the Greasy Grass terrain.
Tribal Planning Committees
Committees covering genealogy, logistics, youth education, history, and fiscal sponsorship are coordinating the thousands of participants expected. Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out is leading the effort.
Treaty Rights & Sovereignty
The Path to the Greasy Grass
The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie guaranteed the Lakota undisturbed use of the Black Hills. When gold was discovered during Custer's 1874 expedition, the federal government abandoned its treaty obligations and issued a January 1876 ultimatum: return to the agencies or be deemed hostile.
By June 1876, the valley of the Greasy Grass held an unprecedented gathering of Indigenous power — a sophisticated coalition of bands with internal governance and military societies like the Fox, Elk, and Strong Hearts. Warriors fought with the confidence of Sitting Bull's prophetic Sun Dance vision.
Ongoing Struggle
The Black Hills Are Not for Sale
Tactical victory did not lead to lasting sovereignty. The 1876 “sell or starve” rider withheld all rations until the Lakota ceded the Black Hills. The 1877 Agreement was legally fraudulent, lacking the required signatures.
In 1980, the Supreme Court ruled the U.S. had acquired the Black Hills through unfair and dishonorable dealing. The Lakota have refused the compensation — now valued at over $1.5 billion — insisting on the return of the land itself.
Join the 150th Commemoration
Whether through attendance, donations, or spreading awareness, you can help ensure the sesquicentennial is told through Indigenous voices.