Native American Heritage of the Niobrara

 

Phyllis Stone, an elder of the Rosebud Tribe in her traditional ceremonial garments.

NPS Susan Cook, 10.10.2020

"Resilient and Enduring: We Are Native People"

Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) 2020 celebrates the rich and diverse ancestry, cultures, traditions, and histories of the indigenous people of America.

November 23-30th was established in 1986 by President Rondald Reagan as American Indian Week to recognize Native Americans as the first inhabitants of the lands and recognizes their contribution to American society.

This year's theme, "Resilient and Enduring: We Are Native People," imparts the courage and determination of the vibrant and diverse Native American Communities as America's first people.

Native Americans of the Niobrara River Valley

The word "niobrara" comes from the native Ponca language meaning running waters or wide waters.

Niobrara National Scenic River staff are proud to work with the 21 affiliated tribes who have a rich history in the Niobrara River Valley and consider this area sacred to their tribes.

The cool river canyons provided quite places of contemplation where streams filled with fish and other resources were abundant on the banks. The great sand hills prairies were home to bison, a necessity to many tribes, who followed their food sources throughout the year.

The Niobrara National Scenic River boundary begins just 10 miles south of and across the Nebraska state boarder from the current Rosebud Sioux Tribal Lands in South Dakota and the heritage of the river flows throughout the region today.

 

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