American Indian History
Information and Facts
Indian Wars Of The Old West:
Colorado, Part 1
Sand Creek Massacre, Colorado
More than 200 Cheyennes, mainly women and children, lay dead following Col. John M. Chivington’s destruction of Black Kettle’s Southern Cheyenne village, nestled along Sand Creek in southeastern Colorado.
The Chivington massacre on November 29, 1864 included the mutilation of Indians. It's one of the most sordid affairs between whites and American Indians.
Black Kettle’s village had camped near Fort Lyon with the understanding that they were friendly, an American flag flew from the village. The site is located on private land.
Beecher's Island, Colorado
Maj. George Forsyth at the head of 50 frontiersmen, in pursuit of raiding Cheyennes, was attacked by a large party of Cheyennes on the morning of September 17, 1868.
Forsyth’s party took refuge on a sandbar in the Republican River located in eastern Colorado. The Indians organized several massed charges, only to be blunted each time.
By the afternoon of the 17th, more than 600 Indians participated in the assaults, however, the attacks decreased following the death of Roman Nose, one of the leading Cheyennes. Lt. Frederick Beecher, for whom the battle site is named, and 21 other defenders were killed.
The remaining defenders were rescued on September 25 when Capt. Louis Carpenter’s company of 10th Cavalry troops came to their aid. A historical marker commemorates the battle, but the original site has washed away.
Native American Event Calendar from nativegatherings.com:
March 13th, 2010 - 8th Annual Social Powwow
Please come to Willamette University's 8th Annual Social Powwow.
Despite being primarily a social powwow, there is a Women's Traditional contest this year, open to all ages, with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Raffle: Grand prize - Pendleton Blanket.
Vendors please contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs if interested at the phone number below.
March 13th, 2010 - Lawilowan American Indian Festival
Third annual Lawilowan American Indian Festival, March 13th (one day event) to be held at NEW LOCATION: Student Recreation Center, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA. This is a newer, larger venue, as we had over 300 dancers March 2009, and over 3,000 attendees from the general public. Univ. street directions to follow. This is a traditional, non-competitive festival, put on as a gift to the American Indian people. All proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association, Awakening the Spirit Project. 21 NA vendors. All vendors and drums by invitation only! All dancers and vendors will be provided dinner by event organizer at no charge. Concession stand for general public. Admission: $5. Elders 65 and over, and children 10 and under free admission. Open to the public 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Grand Entry: Noon. Head dancers to be announced. Drums: TBA. Emcee: TBA. Arena Director: Many Hawks. Entertainment: TBAmore »
March 18th, 2010 - Training: Fathers and Tradition Coaches
Presented by Wellbriety Institute in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Registration includes materials $450. All are welcome to training.more »
March 19th, 2010 - 36th Annual Denver March Powwow
Witness the pagentary and beauty of tribal dances as performed by over 1,000 American Indian Dancers. Inspired by time-honored songs, performed by 30+ drum groups. Watch a grand entry which begins each session. It has been described as "a magnificant array of color, motion, and sound. Storytellers share the legacies, legends, and histories of a distinguished and proud people. Enjoy the works of tribal craftsmen at 180 booths. Enjoy a freshly made Fry Bread or Indian Taco.more »
March 19th, 2010 - March Native Food Concession