Story and photos by Erika Haight
The 150th Anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn and the events leading up it to did not disappoint. Nineteen tribes participated in long distance “Victory Rides,” some traveling horseback as far as 300 miles. This is a time when Native people will unite. Traditions and ceremonies will be exercised this week in remembrance of their ancestors.
Thousands arrived to witness history in the making.
I arrived in Crow Agency around 9am on Thursday, June 24. Traffic was stopped on the frontage road just past Crow Agency. There were several people talking about, “The Charge,” and that it was to be taking place at the battlefield monument. I made my way there, the only parking still available was along the white line on the highway at the entrance of the park. There was complete chaos as far as traffic and confusion regarding the direction of the incoming riders. Warriors rode across the highway bearing flags from their tribes and rode up a steep embankment. They quickly disappeared over the hill.
It was a lengthy hike from the highway to the monument. I was only able to make it a little over three quarters of the way when the crowd stopped dead in its tracks. Off to the left you could see a massive group almost blacking out a portion of the hillside. Higher up toward the monument were scattered figures, smaller in number, the US Calvary. The battle cries and feathered head dresses identified the mass. You could just imagine in that moment the terror Custer and his men would have felt as thousands of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and the Arapaho crested the hillside on the attack. 150 years to this day, Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and 210 of his men perished a few hundred yards from right where I stood.
For those in attendance, the memory will certainly stay with them for years to come.
After the unexpected excitement at the Little Big Horn Battlefield, I made my way to the All-Nations camp in Garryowen, Montana. This area was designated for the visiting tribes – one road in and one out. The Long House was situated in the center of the encampment. This was explained to me as a meeting place specifically for all the tribal leaders when it is time to, “come together.” I spent a good portion of the afternoon documenting and visiting with friends and my Crow family.
As luck would have it, I noticed one of the warriors I saw riding in the charge was meandering about on horseback. He was the only noticeable warrior from afar due to his distinct headdress. I introduced myself to Dion Killsback (Northern Cheyenne) a modern-day Dog Soldier and 6th generation direct descendant of Chief Dull Knife.
It was an honor to shake his hand, and photograph him in full regalia.
RealBird Re-Enactment 2026
Whistling Water Loop always provides… This year was no exception. The battle clearly marked by wooden signs. I arrived early.
Across the road from where the RealBird re-enactment was to take place a young man set up a folding chair with a sign marked, “Dry Parking $10.” The grass was soaked from the early morning rain, and stood as tall as my Volkswagen Beetle’s window. There was a strong scent of sweetgrass, and a meadowlark was singing its morning praise. As are with all my trips to Crow country, blessings are abundant. You never know what ten dollars will buy you on the reservation. I found myself sitting on the tailgate of an old pickup truck with Tim RealBird, his hospitality and stories… absolutely priceless. It was the perfect way to pass the time.
11am the gate opened. Vehicles pulled in one after another. In all my years of attendance, I have never witnessed such a crowd at this particular event. It was estimated that 1,500+ people were in attendance.
For the past thirty-four years, the RealBird family have put on a remarkable performance of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, demonstrating expert horsemanship, history, and resilience. The U.S. Calvary comes without fail to accept their demise year after year. 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the battle. The bleachers were overflowing, and the smell of Birdie’s fry bread wafted through the air.
As always, the story here is told from the Native American perspective through an amplifier by Henry RealBird. Unlike traditional accounts focusing on Custer’s bravery and tragic death, the re-enactment tells a much different story. Native forces banding together to protect their lands, sovereignty, and resisting European colonization.
A vivid picture is painted of the events that occurred that fateful summer day June 25, 1856. Names like Gall, Sitting Bull, Two Moons, and Crazy Horse are assigned to the warriors the day of the performance, and like their roles, the regalia is also selected the day of. Bugles are heard from the dense tree line, and shortly following, an introduction to the Son of the Morning Star (Custer). The crowd looks on in anticipation. Indians with their war horses charge across the field in front of the stands, battle cries ring out. The calvary forms a uniform line and crosses the Little Big Horn River. It’s a spectacle! Although smaller in scale, it provides a good depiction of the events that occurred. Gun smoke rises, and victory was had.
After the performance, people gather to take photos with the actors, and ask questions. Stories just like the riverbanks over time change and erode. Through the years, many details have been lost. The stories passed down change slightly. What we know for certain – there was a violent battle that took place in southeastern Montana. One side fighting for Western expansion and bragging rights, the other for survival. The Battle of the Greasy Grass is known to be a defining moment of the American Indian Wars. This was a major victory for Native people’shistory, and despite all the adversities, they stand tall and united to say, “We Are Still Here!
Today as I watched people of all creed and color mingle on sacred ground… I believe a different kind of victory has been won. Both acknowledgement and understanding are gained on a day like today. It was beautiful to witness.
“I am writing to share a reflection on my recent experience participating in the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. On the morning of June 25, 2026, I awoke in my lodge among the Cheyenne and Arapaho camps along the Little Bighorn River to prepare for the commemorative ride.
Dressed as a Cheyenne Dog Soldier, I prepared myself with man sage gifted by my Arapaho friend, Goggles, and wore traditional garments crafted by my wife and sister. After my daughter, Vixehuh, helped paint my face in the traditional way, I joined the Crazy Dog Society and our Lakota and Arapaho allies on a pony borrowed from my uncle, Chief Yellow Bird. In keeping with Cheyenne teachings, I chose to carry only a coup stick, honoring the principle that arms should only be taken up to protect our way of life and never used lightly.
I participated in this ride to remember our victory and to honor the ancestors who fought to defend our people.
My journey was dedicated to those lost at Sand Creek, Washita, and Fort Robinson, as well as those affected by the boarding school system and the many challenges our people have faced since. Most importantly, I rode for the future of my children, my grandchildren, and all of the Tsitsistas.
Being on that ground 150 years later, I felt a profound connection to the pride and hope of those who stood there before us. We continue to be victorious because we remember our ways and our people.”
Hoka Hey!
Dion Killsback
Walks Good – Paveameohtse Northern Cheyenne
Onehahe’ Society
6th Generation Direct Descendant of Chief Dull Knife
The reenactment is entirely driven by Crow tribal members. The re-enactment allows for a deeper understanding of Crow culture, and provides the Crow youth a sense of pride and an opportunity to showcase their talents and horsemanship Re-Enactment coincides with Crow Native Days. Dark blue color predominantly wash across most historical paintings and photographs. These images have also been used to give a false narrative to who won the battle.