The People
Tribal Report of the Northern Cheyenne Nation (August/September 2006 Vol. I No. 9)
Page 11	Page 12		Page 1
2006 Cheyenne Epic A Success ■ Trips to Bear Butte, Devil’s Tower, and Crazy Horse Monument were highlights. Leo Killsback [Coordinator 2006 Cheyenne Epic] The 2006 Cheyenne Epic was a success this past summer. Cheyenne youth from all reservation communities traveled to cultural and sacred sites that are important to the Cheyenne people. Participants were also told stories from the Cheyenne Epic camp and team leaders. The camp was one week beginning with a trip to Bear Butte. During the trip to Bear Butte, stories were told about the Cheyenne creation and the beginning of the Cheyenne people. Other stories included the Great Race and the Origin of the So'taa'eo'e and Tsetsehesestaestse. Before the Epic group arrived at Bear Butte, detailed stories about the Cheyenne Prophet Sweet Medicine were told. When we arrived at Bear Butte, the boys and girls were divided according to the societies created by Sweet Medicine. There were four boy’s groups (the Kit Fox Boys, the Elk Horn Scraper Boys, the Bowstring Boys, and the Crazy Dogs) and one girl’s group (the Warbonnet Women). These groups remained throughout the duration of the camp. Each group was supervised by a group leader, which was a Cheyenne Epic staff member. At any moment, a group would be called upon to be in charge of cleaning up, rounding up the entire Epic group, or even aid in setting up camp or dinner. Group leaders were responsible for overseeing the groups. Prayers were said before every meal by group leaders. The Epic group camped that night at Bear Butte and more stories were told that night. Early the next morning, the Epic group broke camp in preparation to visit Crazy Horse monument. During the trip, the Epic group leaders told the story of Crazy Horse and his involvement with the Cheyenne Dog Soldier Society during the Plains Indian wars. The Epic spent some time at the Crazy Horse and toured the museum. After lunch, the Epic departed to Devil’s Tower. During the trip to Devil’s Tower more stories were told by the team leaders. When the Epic arrived at Devil’s Tower, a small group walked around the entire rock known to the Cheyenne as “Bear Lodge.” Dinner was served at the base of Bear Lodge and games were played, including a traditional Cheyenne arrow throwing game. On the way home, the young participants wanted to hear some scary stories. So I told some scary Busby stories including the one about the Old Red Woman and the Little Hairy Man. On the way home I also told of the origin of the Contrary people. That night Epic participants returned home with their parents. The next day, the Epic traveled to Two Moons Monument in Busby and stories were told about Ice’s Miracle and the Chiefs’ Children buried near Two Moons Monument. The Epic then traveled to visit “Where the Girl Saved Her Brother,” or the Rosebud Battlefield. Stories of the Fort Laramie Treaty and the Plains Indian Wars were told, as well as the invasion of the Black Hills. The story of Buffalo Calf Road Woman was also told and the site was identified for those who never saw it before. Following lunch, the Epic traveled to the Battle of the Little Big Horn, known to the Cheyenne as “Where Long Hair was Wiped Away.”		The Cheyenne version of the story of the battle was told and Epic participants were able to view the museum and the American Indian monument. The team leaders did a good job in sharing with the Cheyenne youth and other interested tourist the Cheyenne version of the battle and history. After some time at the battlefield, the Epic ate dinner and were on their way home. The participants went home to their parents that night. The final day of the Cheyenne Epic was “Reservation Appreciation Day,” where the team leaders highlighted the importance of knowing the history of our reservation and keeping it in good condition. The first stop was at Head Chief and Young Mule Hill just behind Chief Dull Knife College. The story of these reservation-era heroes was told, and it was emphasized that Cheyenne men must know how to take care of their families and children. The Epic then traveled to the highest point on the reservation, in the mountains behind Lame Deer. It was emphasized that the beautiful landscape of the Cheyenne Indian reservation needs to be taken care of, and that is why the Cheyenne government has programs like forestry, natural resources, and environmental protection. The Epic then traveled to Crazy Head Springs where stories were told and reemphasized about the importance of wildlife, animals, water, and buffalo. The Epic made a trip to the view the beaver dams and the other ponds after a stop at the fresh water spring. After stopping at the Crazy Head Springs, the Epic returned to the Tribal Office where they ate Indian tacos in the Tribal Council Chambers. At the conclusion of the Epic, more stories were told about how the tribal government works and the importance to know the Cheyenne philosophy and teachings from these stories. The Cheyenne Epic concluded with everyone exhausted, but with a good response from parents and especially the Epic participants. Despite the late organization and last minute planning of this year’s Cheyenne Epic, it was a success. Most of the Cheyenne Epic staff have always been employed full-time, so it has been difficult to find staff members who could participate at almost no cost, during regular work hours. But all went well. The Cheyenne Epic mission is to education Cheyenne youth from Cheyenne reservation communities about traditional philosophies. This Epic camp is important in the survival of the Cheyenne culture and heritage. The Epic has also focused on teaching social relations that young Cheyenne people should have with their friends, relatives, within their communities, and in prayer. These teachings are emphasized with each story. These teachings include Sweet Medicine’s teachings of respect, truth, honor, courage, humbleness, humility, and helpfulness. Stories of the Creation, the Great Race, and Erect Horns emphasize the relationships that Cheyenne are supposed to maintain with animals, land, water, and the supernatural beings. There is also an emphasis on language as team leaders and older participants are encouraged to reinforce the importance of the Cheyenne language. These teachings should be taught in the household, but sometimes the fast-moving influences of non-Indian cultures overtake the Cheyenne ways. This is one of the primary reasons why the Cheyenne Epic exists. Next summer the Cheyenne Epic will be held again, as it will every year. Please send your children and/or attend yourself, the Cheyenne history, culture, philosophy and stories are for all Cheyenne and only the Cheyenne. Ha-ho. Tribal Report of the Northern Cheyenne Nation (August/September 2006 Vol. I No. 9), page 12.
2006 Cheyenne Epic Pictures Cheyenne Epic Boys at Crazy Horse Monument Bow String Boys, team leader Mark Round Stone Kit Fox Boys at Noavose, team leader Drew Elkshoulder Elk Horn Scraper Boys at Noavose, team leader Leo Killsback Warbonnet Women at Noavose, team leader Vanessa “Chili” Chicharello
Crazy Dog Boys		Bow String Boys at Devil’s Tower
Cheyenne Epic Girls at Crazy Horse Monument		Cheyenne Epic Boys at Devil’s Tower All photographs copyright Tribal Report of the Northern Cheyenne Nation (August/September 2006 Vol. I No. 9), page 12.
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