American History Hit – Episode: Who Was Sitting Bull? Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host: Don Wildman
Guest: Ernie Lapointe, Author of Sitting Bull: His Life and Legacy and Great Grandson of Sitting Bull

Introduction

In the episode "Who Was Sitting Bull?", host Don Wildman delves deep into the life and legacy of Sitting Bull, the revered Lakota chieftain known for his pivotal role in resisting U.S. government encroachment on Native American lands. Accompanied by Ernie Lapointe, the great grandson of Sitting Bull and author of Sitting Bull: His Life and Legacy, the conversation aims to portray Sitting Bull not merely as a symbol of resistance but as a multifaceted leader with profound spiritual and cultural significance.

Background of Sitting Bull

Ernie Lapointe begins by sharing personal anecdotes about his upbringing and the oral storytelling tradition of the Lakota people. He recounts how his mother introduced him to Sitting Bull's legacy through stories transmitted in the Lakota language, emphasizing humor and memorable narratives to ensure these histories stayed with him.

Ernie Lapointe [03:51]: "When you listen to stories in a native language, it stays with you... So it stayed with me. The stories I told you before, those are very much in my memory."

Sitting Bull’s Early Life and Naming

Sitting Bull was born in May 1831 at Orange Creek, Montana. Ernie explains the significance of his names and the cultural practices surrounding them. Originally named Jumping Badger (Hokob Sija), he earned the name "Sitting Bull" after demonstrating bravery by performing a coup—touching a Crow chief with his stick during a raid without causing harm, symbolizing courage and strategic prowess.

Ernie Lapointe [11:01]: "When Americans came in and wrote books about him, they said he was a chief, he was a leader. He was just an inspirational caretaker, a spokesperson for the people."

Role and Leadership

Sitting Bull was more than a military leader; he was a spokesperson and a spiritual guide for his people. Ernie clarifies that the concept of leadership in Lakota culture differs from Western notions. While American historians often label Sitting Bull as a "chief" or "leader," within the Lakota community, his role was deeply intertwined with spiritual guidance and the welfare of his people.

Ernie Lapointe [06:38]: "He was a spokesperson. He tried to educate the Americans... He was a protector and a caregiver for the people."

Treaty of Fort Laramie and the Black Hills

The Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868) was a pivotal moment, establishing the Great Sioux Reservation and recognizing the Black Hills as sacred Lakota territory. However, the discovery of gold led to the U.S. government reneging on the treaty, igniting tensions that culminated in the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Don Wildman [18:08]: "The United States went back on the agreement, broke the agreement, redrawing the boundaries of the treaty and confining the native peoples to lives on the reservation."

Battle of Little Bighorn (Battle of Greasy Grass)

Ernie provides an insider’s perspective on the Battle of Little Bighorn, emphasizing the strategic brilliance of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Contrary to popular belief, the Lakota forces were not as overwhelmingly numerous as often depicted. Instead, they employed guerrilla tactics, leveraging their knowledge of the terrain to outmaneuver and defeat Custer’s forces.

Ernie Lapointe [23:13]: "When Custer came, he was hot-headed and egotistical... It was guerrilla fighters. They didn't fight as groups like the Americans did."

Aftermath and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show

Following the battle, Sitting Bull sought to preserve his people’s dignity and culture by participating in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. Initially, Ernie describes how Sitting Bull saw the opportunity to showcase his heritage positively. However, as public sentiment soured, Sitting Bull realized he was being exploited as a mere spectacle, leading to increasing hostility and misunderstanding.

Ernie Lapointe [34:52]: "He started to realize that this wasn't really like the Albert Allen show... he was just using him as a prop to make money."

The Ghost Dance Movement and Sitting Bull’s Death

The Ghost Dance movement, initiated by visions promising the restoration of Native American lands and the disappearance of white settlers, significantly impacted Sitting Bull. Although Sitting Bull did not initially endorse the movement, its escalating fervor and the resulting tensions contributed to his tragic death in December 1890. Ernie narrates the events leading to Sitting Bull’s assassination, highlighting the internal struggles within the Lakota community and external pressures from U.S. authorities.

Ernie Lapointe [40:38]: "He was trying his best how to do this. And that was fall. And then he's having consult with his group of people there, telling them we need to do something because these people are dancing even in the wintertime cold."

Legacy and Final Reflections

In concluding the episode, Ernie Lapointe reflects on the enduring legacy of Sitting Bull, emphasizing themes of fear, leadership, and cultural preservation. He urges listeners to look beyond historical narratives shaped by colonial perspectives and to recognize the profound humanity and wisdom inherent in Native American leaders like Sitting Bull.

Ernie Lapointe [47:30]: "Fear is what makes people follow a leader... Hell is what you create for yourself. If you let go of fear, you see how people can get along with just laughter and kindness instead of fear."

Conclusion

Don Wildman's episode offers a nuanced portrayal of Sitting Bull, enriched by Ernie Lapointe’s personal insights and ancestral knowledge. By moving beyond simplistic labels, the discussion invites listeners to appreciate Sitting Bull’s strategic acumen, spiritual depth, and unwavering commitment to his people’s survival and dignity. This comprehensive exploration underscores the importance of preserving and respecting Native American histories and perspectives in understanding the broader tapestry of American history.

Notable Quotes:

• Ernie Lapointe [03:51]: "When you listen to stories in a native language, it stays with you."
• Ernie Lapointe [06:38]: "He was a spokesperson. He tried to educate the Americans... He was a protector and a caregiver for the people."
• Don Wildman [18:08]: "The United States went back on the agreement, broke the agreement, redrawing the boundaries of the treaty and confining the native peoples to lives on the reservation."
• Ernie Lapointe [23:13]: "When Custer came, he was hot-headed and egotistical... It was guerrilla fighters."
• Ernie Lapointe [34:52]: "He was just using him as a prop to make money."
• Ernie Lapointe [40:38]: "He was trying his best how to do this."
• Ernie Lapointe [47:30]: "Fear is what makes people follow a leader... If you let go of fear, you see how people can get along with just laughter and kindness instead of fear."

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