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Sand Creek Massacre NHS News Release Nancy Stinson, Chief of Interpretation , Education and Visitor Services, The 12th Annual Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run begins Thursday November 25th, 2010, at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. This year’s event marks the 146th Anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre. Tribal organizers have proclaimed the 12th anniversary run as commemorating heroes, Chief White Antelope and Captain Silas Soule. Almost 146 years ago, Colonel John M. Chivington led approximately 700 soldiers, including many 100-day volunteers, to a village of about 500 Cheyenne and Arapaho people camped along the banks of Big Sandy Creek in southeastern Colorado. Nearly 200 persons -- mostly women, children, and the elderly and including at least 11 chiefs -- were killed. The Sand Creek Massacre profoundly affected families, tribal leadership and traditional structure, and Indian – non-Indian relations across the west. A respected Cheyenne Leader in the parlay process, Chief White Antelope was one of a number of chiefs gathered around a lodge pole bearing the flag of the United States along with a white flag during the opening moments of the massacre. As the massacre began Chief White Antelope White Antelope sang “Only the Earth Endures” as he and the other chiefs were among the first killed. At considerable risk to themselves, two veteran cavalry officers, Captain Silas Soule and Lieutenant Joseph Cramer, stood their commands stood down from the attack, refusing to participate, and for this are honored by the descendants of the massacre today. Due in large part to their testimony, the massacre was condemned by two federal investigations. A commemorative display honoring Captain Silas Soule has been fabricated and installed on 15th and Arapahoe, near the Denver street where the Company D, 1st U.S. Colorado Cavalry Officer was killed. The run will stop for a time here to honor Captain Soule and lieutenant Cramer. Activities associated with the run will commence with a Prayer Ceremony at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site cemetery to recognize the recent burial on October 25th of remains returned by a cavalry descendant. The event will conclude in the afternoon of Saturday November 27 on the steps of the west lawn of the Colorado Statehouse, followed by a reception for participants at a location to be announced. Events at the park, are scheduled to begin this year at approximately 9:00 am on November 25th. It is anticipated some participants may attend the event from as far away as Montana, Wyoming, and Oklahoma. Ceremonies at the site should conclude by 10:30 or 11:00 am. As in years past, a community meal, in conjunction with the Healing Run will be sponsored by volunteers. The meal, open to the public, will be held at the Eads High School cafeteria. Food will be served at approximately 2:30 - 3:00 pm. Food donations for the meal are being accepted at Crow’s Stop n Shop in Eads. Runners will travel in relays from Eads to Denver on Thursday and Friday, November 25 and 26. A candlelight Vigil will be held on Friday evening at the Denver Art Museum. On Saturday, an Honoring Ceremony will be held for officers Silas Soule and Joseph Cramer at Denver’s Riverside Cemetery. For additional information about the Annual Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run/Walk, please call organizers Otto Braided Hair (406) 749 4325, or Bill Tall Bull (720) 299-4243. For information about activities at the Sand Creek Massacre NHS or to volunteer or food donations for the meal on Thanksgiving Day, please call the National Park Service at (719) 438-5916 or (719) 383-5051. Schedule of events: (all times are approximate)Thursday, Nov. 25 9:00 AM Pipe Ceremony and prayer at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site 55411 County Road W - Approximately 8 miles north of the intersection of County Road 54 and State Highway 96, near the town of Chivington CO. Runners will be blessed and the annual Spiritual Healing Run to Denver will commence, followed by a meal in Eads, CO. Friday, Nov. 26 7:00 AM Sunrise Ceremony – TBD Continue ‘Healing Run’ to Denver 7:00 PM Candlelight Vigil at the Denver Art Museum Wheel sculpture,100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO. Saturday, Nov. 27 8:00 AM Honoring Ceremony for Captain Silas Soule, Company D 1st Colorado Calvary, U.S. Army and Lt. Joseph A. Cramer, Company K 8th Ohio Calvary, U.S. Army at Riverside Cemetery, 5201 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, CO. 9:00 AM Continue ‘Healing Run’ from Riverside Cemetery to 15th and Arapahoe, Denver, CO. 4 miles distance – MUST REGISTER TO RUN9:50 AM At 15th and Arapahoe — near the site where Captain Silas Soule was assassinated — the runners will join with walkers and continue on to the Colorado State Capitol Building. 11:00 AM Presentation on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol Building (West Lawn side) NOONReception Location - To Be DeterminedTo learn more about these events and others contact Sand Creek Massacre NHS at 719-438-5916 or visit us online at www.nps.gov/sand. The park headquarters is located in Eads, Colorado on Hwy 287. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST except Federal Holidays when the office is closed. The Sand Creek Massacre NHS site is located 23 miles east of Eads, CO. To drive to the site take Colorado Hwy. 287 east of Eads, or west off Hwy 385 at Sheridan Lake. East of Chivington, turn north onto County Road 54: or at Brandon, turn north onto County Road 59. Follow either road to its entrance with County Road W, one mile east (right) of its intersection with County Road 54, or several miles west (left) of County Rd. 59. Hours of operation at the site are Sunday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. April –November. Call for an appointment December through March. For Additional information Phone: 719-438-5916 or 719-729-3003 |