Encampment scheduled Aug. 1-12 on Northern Cheyenne Tribe property
By Kevin Woster
STURGIS -- An American Indian group will maintain a spiritual encampment near the base of Bear Butte during the Sturgis motorcycle rally, with prayers dedicated to the protection of the rocky mountain held sacred by many tribes.
Participants in the Bear Butte Prayer Gathering also will pray for the protection of indigenous nations and their sacred sites, U.S. military personnel, nations that are being hurt by armed conflicts, starving people of the world and the environmental effects of global warming.
Tamra Brennan of Sturgis, a member of the working committee that is organizing the encampment, said it should not be called or considered a protest action.
"We're not going to do any marches or things like that," she said. "This is not a protest at all. It's strictly a peaceful prayer camp."
Organizers will maintain the camp Aug. 1-12 on property owned by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe along S.D. Highway 79 on the west side of the mountain. It will be a traditional American Indian camp with lodges but no open fires.
People taking part in the prayer gathering may come and go or stay at the camp, Brennan said. Non-Indians and motorcycle riders are welcome, if they come in the right spirit and show proper respect.
"Everybody is welcome, as long as they come in a peaceful way and they come to pray," Brennan said.
Read more here: www.bearbutteprayergathering.org
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