The anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn brings with it deep reflections for relatives of the key figures involved: Custer and Sitting Bull. This historical encounter remains a poignant memory for their descendants, impacting their views on U.S. history.
Ernie LaPointe, the great-grandson of Sitting Bull, grew up in South Dakota under strict instructions from his mother to keep his lineage a secret. Identifying publicly as a descendant of the Hunkpapa Lakota leader was advised against to ensure a normal childhood.There will be a time and place when you get the permission to do it,
his mother told him.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that LaPointe heeded his aunt’s advice to embrace his heritage openly. Now 77, he diligently works to preserve the legacy of his great-grandfather. Sitting Bull, renowned for his leadership against the U.S. government’s efforts to seize the Great Plains, remains a powerful historical figure.
His resistance, which continued even after his death, carries significant cultural and historical weight. LaPointe strives to ensure Sitting Bull’s achievements and contributions are remembered accurately and respectfully, highlighting the ongoing relevance of this moment in history.
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