September 27, 2016
CRAZY HORSE, S.D. – Crazy Horse Memorial will host its annual Native Americans’ Day celebration, Monday, October 10. The event features hands-on activities, a program, Native American performers and the Educator of the Year will be awarded. In a continued effort to support local food drives, admission to the Memorial is waived with the donation of three (3) cans of food per person.
Hands-on activities will take place throughout the complex from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Native Americans’ Day program begins at 10 a.m. and free buffalo stew will be available following the program – generosity of Custer State Park and Korczak’s Heritage, Inc. Native American dance performers, including Starr Chief Eagle, Oglala Lakota, and the Gaddies, Oglala Lakota, will perform at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the viewing veranda.
South Dakota continues to be the only state to celebrate Native Americans’ Day, formally known as Columbus Day. This occurred in 1989 when the South Dakota State Legislature approved the change, proposed by Governor George S. Mickelson. 1990 marked the “Year of Reconciliation” – 100 years after the Wounded Knee Massacre. More than 1,200 people attended the first Native Americans’ Day celebration, held at Crazy Horse Memorial, October 8, 1990.
“We can’t turn back the clock. We can only turn to the future together. What we can do as leaders, both Native American and white, is teach others that we can change attitudes.” –Governor George S. Mickelson
Crazy Horse Memorial offers historical and current information about Native American life at the Indian Museum of North America® and the Native American Educational and Cultural Center®. The Mountain Carving Room provides an up-to-date film about the Mountain crew and their progress throughout the summer. Korczak and Ruth’s Studio-Home and Workshop houses sculptures, artwork and antiques belonging to the Ziolkowski family. Crazy Horse Memorial also offers dining at Laughing Water Restaurant and Snack Shop and a Gift Shop featuring exclusive Crazy Horse and Native American handmade gifts.
