Natives Say They Won't Back Down on Bear Butte

KEVN Fox7 Black Hills News
Story by: Al Van Zee
Submitted: 2006-04-05 17:58:09

Native American protesters say they do not intend to back down in their efforts to protect Bear Butte from what they call desecration.

Tuesday evening, the Meade County Commission voted to grant a malt beverage license to Jay ALlan, who is building a combination bar, campground, and biker party spot near Bear Butte.

But Native Americans protesting the decision say they will continue their efforts to stop the proliferation of bars around the Black Hills landmark. They say they will be back next summer for what they are calling a "gathering of nations". The organizers are hoping to attract thousands of Indians to Bear Butte from all over the country. "As long as they're gonna build beer bars around Bear Butte, Indian people are gonna stand in defense of Bear Butte. We intend to be here this summer beginning July Fourth" says Carter Camp.

"We're gonna stay here all summer."

The organizers say they have land available to make room for the thousands of Native Americans they hope will attend the gathering. Various tribes now own hundreds of acres around Bear Butte that can be used as campgrounds for the gathering.