Remembering the Battle of Greasy Grass, aka The Battle of Little Bighorn

A Newhouse at Home Presentation by Professor Elena Creef

On June 25th every year, a multi-generational group of some 30 Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho riders on horseback conclude a weeklong journey across Montana that formally ends with a powerful ceremonial charge to the top of what is known as “Last Stand Hill” in order to remember their ancestors’ historic 1876 victory over the U.S. Army and the defeat of General George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry. The event is neither a performance nor a reenactment. Instead, it is a sacred Native American Prayer Ride. 

For the past four years, I have been one of the few non-Native participants on this annual Ride to Little Bighorn where I have been honored to serve as part of the camp cook crew, occasional horse wrangler, and even informal documentary photographer. This auto-ethnographic presentation will share my visual record of this Ride that has also inspired my first public humanities project.

Following the presentation, Professor Genevieve Clutario (American Studies) will provide a response to Professor Creef's presentation. An open Q&A session will follow. 

This event is open to members of the Wellesley College community. Pre-registration is required. Please click here to register.