Veterans Dragged Custer Flag at Black Hills Pow Wow
The 38th annual event in Rapid City featured a commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Greasy Grass.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Native American
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Native American veterans led a powerful grand entry at the Black Hills Pow Wow in Rapid City by dragging a Custer flag into the arena. Dancers later reenacted the historic 1876 defeat of George Custer and the 7th Cavalry to honor Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho ancestors.
Why it matters
The display served as a significant cultural commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Greasy Grass. It highlighted the enduring legacy of the Indigenous victory over U.S. forces in a prominent regional gathering.
The 38th annual Black Hills Pow Wow was held at the Summit Arena at the Monument in Rapid City. It marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Greasy Grass that occurred in 1876.
The players
George Custer
He was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander who was killed alongside his forces at the Battle of the Greasy Grass.
Black Hills Pow Wow
This is an annual cultural event held in Rapid City that celebrates the traditions and history of Indigenous peoples.
The details
During the grand entry, veterans dressed in U.S. military attire dragged a flag associated with Custer into the arena circle. Dancers surrounded a person portraying Custer and collectively stomped on the flag to symbolize the historical victory of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho people.
Timeline
The Battle of the Greasy Grass occurred in 1876.
The 38th annual Black Hills Pow Wow took place on October 10-11, 2026.
Culture Shift
This performance follows the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Greasy Grass, marking a significant milestone in regional tribal history. It reflects a growing focus on using traditional powwow spaces to assert historical narratives and honor the resistance of Indigenous nations.
Residents and visitors in Rapid City attending the annual powwow experienced a significant shift in the event's grand entry tradition. Attendees were encouraged to participate in this commemorative atmosphere as the ceremony highlighted the long-standing cultural pride of the surrounding tribal communities.
The takeaway
The display highlights how cultural gatherings serve as vital spaces for reenacting and preserving tribal oral histories. Participants and observers utilize these traditions to maintain connections to historical figures and events that define their heritage.
Further reading
For more information on local cultural celebrations, visit the Native American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Buffalosfire.
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