National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

P.O. Box 39 Crow Agency MT. 59022-0039 (406) 638-2621 (406) 638-2623 fax

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

News Release

For Immediate Release: October 3, 2002
Darrell J. Cook, 406-638-2621

Indian Memorial Dedication Officially Scheduled For June 25, 2003

CROW AGENCY, MT - The official dedication date of the Indian Memorial at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is rescheduled for June 25, 2003, instead of November 11, 2002, announced Superintendent Darrell J. Cook.

The tentative date was changed at the recommendation of several of the Indian Tribes historically affiliated with the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In addition, the park received numerous requests from the Indian and non-Indian communities to change the date. The National Park Service will continue working with the Indian Tribes on their participation in the dedication ceremonies for the Indian Memorial. The dedication theme will be "Peace Through Unity."

The Indian Memorial was authorized by Congress and signed into law on December 10, 1991, by former President George Bush. Public Law 102-201 renamed Custer Battlefield National Monument as Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and called for the design, construction, and maintenance of a memorial and monument to recognize the Indians who fought, on either side, to preserve their land and culture in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, June 25-26, 1876.

Earlier this year, the National Park Service received funding to build the Indian Memorial from the Interior Appropriations Bill signed into law by President Bush. This project was supported by Montana U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Conrad Burns, Montana Representative Denny Rehberg, and Colorado U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. In addition, the National Park Service would like to thank everyone who has helped the Indian Memorial become a reality.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and the National Park Service preserve the site of the world famous "Battle of the Little Bighorn." For more information, call (406) 638-2621.

For information on the artists selected to design and construct the Spirit Warriors elements of the Indian Memorial go to http://www.sisterwolf.com/sculpture/index.html