Fort Laramie National Historic Site to commemorate 150th anniversary of 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie on April 28
On April 28, the 150th anniversary commemoration of the signing of the historic 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie will take place.
Fort Laramie, WY — On Saturday, April 28, more than two years of planning between Fort Laramie National Historic Site and several sovereign tribal nations of the Northern Great Plains will culminate in a 150th anniversary commemoration of the signing of the historic 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. After the opening ceremonies on April 28, additional associated events will continue through Tuesday, May 1. To commemorate the treaty’s national significance, the park will be “Honoring the Spirit” of indigenous sovereign nations and the treaty’s signers, who attempted at the time to make the best choices for the future of their people: the Lakota/Dakota (Sioux), Arapahoe, Cheyenne and Crow nations.
Colorful ceremonies, Native American and other speakers, tribal encampments, interpretive treaty exhibits, a Native Arts Marketplace and more will kick off the series of commemoration events.
The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie affected not only the tribes of the Northern Great Plains but also nearly all indigenous people in the United States. Tribal nations consider the treaty an active and living document and will share their perspectives during the four days of commemorations. In the 150 years since the signing, the tribes have maintained their cultural values, traditions and spirituality. The event is an opportunity for tribes directly affected by the treaty – which continues to affect Native American communities across the country – to share their perspectives and proclaim, “We Are Still Here.”
The National Park Service and the Fort Laramie park will join the tribal nations to acknowledge the intent of the original negotiators, recognize the impacts of the treaty signing, and together tell the story of vibrant cultures that continue to interact at this traditional gathering site of indigenous people – the confluence of the North Platte and Laramie rivers.
The public is invited to join in this extraordinary event. Admission to the park is free. The full commemoration period will continue through Nov. 6, the date in 1868 when Oglala Lakota leader Red Cloud was among the last to sign the treaty.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/fola or contact Fort Laramie National Historic Site at 307-837-2221. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.