Gun Culture And Society
After 135 years, Wounded Knee Massacre site securely in Native hands
After 135 years, Wounded Knee Massacre site securely in Native hands
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Wounded Knee, South Dakota
WOUNDED KNEE, S.D. – After 135 years, the site of one of the U.S. Army’s most tragic acts of violence against Indigenous Nations is now secure in the hands of its rightful caretakers. On December 29, 2025, a group of tribal and federal officials gathered at Wounded Knee on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to mark the anniversary of the massacre of hundreds of Lakota and Dakota people. This gathering coincided with the passage of the Wounded Knee Memorial and Sacred Sites Act, bringing the historic site under the ownership of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Cheyenne River Chairman Ryman Lebeau addressed a crowd of over 200, expressing their gratitude for the healing that this event represents. He stated, “It’s important today to remember to have that healing of ourselves, that historical trauma that we all carry. Because we don’t want to pass that down to the next generation.” This sentiment captures the essence of the gathering: reflection on a painful past while moving forward with renewed hope.
The new federal law designates 40 acres of land, where much of the massacre took place, to be held in restricted Indian fee title. The tribes, wanting no governmental name attached to the property, sought this new title after purchasing the land from the Czywczynki family in 2022, who once operated a trading post and museum at the site.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, who sponsored the original House bill, highlighted the historical significance of the day, noting, “For 135 years, we have gathered on December 29th to mourn a tragedy, a massacre.” This time, however, they also celebrated the reclamation of a site long held in private hands, now to be used for sacred purposes, ceremonies, and remembrance.
As tribal leaders ponder the future usage of this hallowed ground, any decisions made will be in consultation with the descendants of those who suffered the massacre. President Star Comes Out emphasized the land would honor the past, saying, “The Wounded Knee land will be used for sacred purposes and remembrance, including ceremonies and prayer.” Leaders vow that the spiritual and historical essence of the site will be preserved for future generations.
This event, while somber, did not shy away from addressing ongoing challenges. Tribal leaders acknowledged the need to confront the issue of medals awarded to Army soldiers for their actions during the massacre. Many in the community continue to push for the rescinding of these awards, which have become a source of contention as they are viewed as a misrepresentation of the events that transpired.
Historically, on December 29, 1890, the U.S. Army 7th Cavalry surrounded a group of Lakota camped near Wounded Knee Creek. Misunderstandings and tensions led to the deaths of many unarmed individuals, predominantly women and children. The recent gathering perhaps serves as a path toward healing beyond the physical land; it embodies a recognition of the cultural trauma that persists today.
Sen. John Thune remarked on the need for preservation and education surrounding this dark chapter in U.S. history. He stated, “What happened here 135 years ago will always be a blight on our state and on our nation’s history.” With the new legislation, the site is formally recognized as a massacre site, reinforcing a commitment to remembering and honoring the victims.
As discussions continue about advancing Indigenous rights and addressing historical injustices, this moment represents a significant step forward not only for the tribes involved but also for a broader movement toward acknowledgment and reconciliation. With this new solid footing, there is hope for a meaningful dialogue on the past’s implications on present-day policy and society.
The transfer of the Wounded Knee site into Native hands is not just about land ownership; it signifies a broader reconciliation with history that could influence future policies regarding Indigenous rights and historical recognition. While the land is now secure, the ongoing debates regarding the recognition of the massacre and associated military honors remain pivotal. How federal and state authorities respond to these ongoing issues will determine the trajectory of Indigenous relations in the U.S. It’s a moment to reflect, remember, and learn from the past, paving the way for a more respectful future.