Sturgis: Party or Disrespect?

Today is August 4, 2006, tomorrow will start one of the greatest biker parties in the history of motorcycling. On August 5th-12th over half-million motorcyclists will descend on Sturgis, S. Dakota. It is one of the most prestigious events of the year for all types of bikers, the hard-core to the part-timer, the Harley rider to the Crouch rocket rider, will be there; and every one of them will be there seeking the party of their life. I personally, have been a biker since 1976. Thirty years of motorcycling, and it always sends a chill up my spine to think of such an event.


But readers, I am also of Native American decent. I have always felt a brotherhood, both with my biker way of life and with my Native American life. In my opinion, the biker way of life comparable to the Native American way of life of old we have in this modern world. I have traveled this country from coast to coast, from border to border, enjoying the many fruits of nature which exists. I have also enjoyed many biker parties along the way. We have always taken in to consideration the effects of our presence on nature, respecting it and our freedom to enjoy it.


It has come to my attention, through an article I was reading, that the city of Sturgis has allowed the party to expand to a dangerous closeness to one of my Native American brothers most sacred of locations. I am speaking of Bear Butte. During the same time as Bike Week, hundreds of my brothers use the Bear Butte area for worshipping and vision quests. It is totally inappropriate to have thousands of screaming motorcycles and partiers within such a close distance of our religious icon.


I, and the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation, do not wish to condemn the rally or the people involved. We all enjoy and benefit from its existence, all we are asking is for my biker brothers to respect the rights and wishes of my Native brothers. Any establishment that is within ear-shot of Bear Butte should have discretion and respect included with their activities. As long as we all respect the right to worship and enjoy ourselves for ALL brothers, this event will continue being the great event it has been for decades. Enjoy, to all my biker brothers; wish I could be there. And O’siyo to all my Native brothers, may the Great Spirit of us all be with all that you do.