Tales from the Riverbank: Reclaiming the Greasy Grass

The 149th anniversary of the Battle of the Greasy Grass hit differently this year, drawing thousands to Crow country for a mix of raw history, wild energy, and deep tradition. Long-distance riders covered hundreds of miles on horseback to kick off a week of heavy memory and genuine unity across nearly twenty tribes. The scene at the Little Big Horn monument felt like stepping into a time machine—complete with epic traffic jams, charging warriors disappearing over ridge lines, and the chilling roar of battle cries echoing from the hillside. Between the chaos of the main battlefield and kicking back at the All-Nations camp with direct descendants of legend, author Erika Haight captured the pure spirit of the moment, reflecting on the heavy atmosphere: “You could just imagine in that moment the terror Custer and his men would have felt as thousands of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and the Arapaho crested the hillside on the attack.”

Over at the RealBird re-enactment along the river, the vibe shifted to pure hospitality, fresh fry bread, and unvarnished history told strictly from the Native perspective. Sitting on a pickup tailgate listening to local elders before packed bleachers took in the show, Haight soaked in the legendary horsemanship and powerful storytelling that flipped the usual textbook narratives on their head. It wasn’t about romanticizing Custer; it was about honoring survival and sovereign rights. Spotlighting the quiet magic of showing up with an open heart on tribal land, Haight noted, “You never know what ten dollars will buy you on the reservation.” By the time the final gun smoke cleared and people of all backgrounds gathered on the field, the true triumph wasn’t just a historic military win, but a modern testament to endurance, as Haight concluded that despite generations of adversity, “they stand tall and united to say, ‘We Are Still Here!’”

Click here to see some photos that Erika took.

^{Story inspiration via Erika Haight}

Editor’s note: Corrected the anniversary from the 150th to the 149th, as the Battle of the Little Bighorn occurred in 1876.