44th Annual Neihardt Spring Conference: "Twilight of the Sioux: From the Indian Wars to Wounded Knee"

The conference theme this year is inspired by the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Twilight of the Sioux. Published as a combination of the last two chapters (or songs) of John Neihardt's book "A Cycle of the West," the book "Twilight of the Sioux" addresses the tragedy experienced by Plains Indians in the "Song of the Indian Wars" and "Song of the Messiah." The former tells of the period of migration and the last great fight for the bison pastures between the invading white race and the Plains Indians (1854-1890), and the latter addresses the conquered people and the worldly end of their great dream, closing with the battle of Wounded Knee (1890).

The historical events that Neihardt wrote about changed the United States in innumerable and fundamental ways. Using his writing as the framework and centering Native American experts as speakers, this conference will spark discussion by broadening perspectives and considering the long-term impact of how history is framed.

Topics and Speakers include:

Early Trade Relationships of the Lakota and Early White Traders, Jerome Kills Small, M.A., University of South Dakota (retired) - APPEARANCE CANCELLED BY SPEAKER

Incorporating and Engaging Native Histories on Public Lands, Broc Anderson, M.A., Director of Historic Sites for the Nebraska State Historical Society

The Act and Impact of Crazy Horse's Death at Ft. Robinson, Sandy Wounded Arrow, M.A., Site Director, Ft. Robinson Nebraska State Historic Site

Lakota Oral Tradition in “Black Elk Speaks,” Delphine Red Shirt, PhD, Stanford University

“The Oregon Trail” and Native Representation on the Plains, Margaret Huettl, PhD, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

NAGPRA - Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Calvin Harlan, Acting Deputy Chief, Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

Moderator: Nancy Gillis

Sponsored by Nebraska State Historical Society, Humanities Nebraska, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Cuming County Visitors Bureau, John G. Neihardt Foundation