Heirs of Custer and Sitting Bull Reflect on Historical Battle

As the anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn draws near, descendants of two pivotal figures continue to deal with the consequences of a significant event in American history. The battle remains a deeply personal issue for the relatives of Custer and Sitting Bull.

Visuals have been provided by Will Warasila, with reporting taking place at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana.

Ernie LaPointe, a great-grandson of Sitting Bull, grew up in South Dakota. During his childhood, he was cautioned against sharing his lineage, stemming from the esteemed Hunkpapa Lakota leader. This advice came from his mother, who wanted to shield him from any potential disruptions to his upbringing. She advised him to keep his heritage a secret, suggesting there would be a right time to reveal it.

LaPointe adhered to this advice until the early 1990s, when his aunt encouraged him to embrace his ancestry publicly.

Now 77 years old, LaPointe has taken on the role of preserving Sitting Bull’s legacy. Sitting Bull was instrumental in leading opposition against U.S. government actions, seeking to claim the Great Plains. His fame, paradoxically, grew more in death than during his lifetime.

Besides offering insights into the past, these reflections from descendants underscore ongoing efforts to honor and keep alive the historical narratives of those involved in the Battle of the Little Bighorn.