On December 15, 1890, Tatanka Iyotake, Sitting Bull, was assassinated at Standing Rock. A federal agent ordered his arrest, sending 39 policemen. The government was afraid of his power & the ghost dance movement. Sitting Bull, the chief & prophet, was murdered by law enforcement.

Police shot an unarmed Sitting Bull in the chest & head. Lakota loyal to Sitting Bull confronted the police, killing 9, including the one who murdered Sitting Bull.

When he died, the wailing of women could be heard for miles.

Sitting Bull was not only a chief & prophet. He was a medicine man & statesmen, a member of the Kit Fox Society, the Midnight Strong Heart Society & others. The Strong Hearts were an elite group of warriors. He was also a sash wearer, a title reserved for only the bravest Lakota.

Sitting Bull was respected by not only his own Tribe, but other Native nations who often sought his counsel & refuge, including some historical enemies of the Lakota.

It was also Sitting Bull who foresaw Custer’s Fall at Greasy Grass (Little Big Horn), while sundancing.

“If we must die, we die defending our rights.” -Sitting Bull