Chief Frank Fools Crow 88th Birthday Pow Wow - 1977, Pine Ridge Reservation, SD

Chief Frank Fools Crow (c. 1890-1989) was a spiritual and civic leader of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) tribe living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. He worked tirelessly to preserve tribal sovereignty and treaty rights and led the traditional faction during the 1973 Wounded Knee Occupation. He hosted the first ever negotiations with tribal members and White House representatives on his land. Dean Evenson and the video team had traveled to South Dakota then to videotape the standoff. When the occupation ended, Dean stayed in South Dakota for a month, learning from elders and tribal members about their traditions, their respect for the planet, as well as the challenges they faced.

In 1977 Dean traveled back to Pine Ridge with his family and while driving through Kyle, South Dakota, they heard about the 88th birthday pow wow for ‘Grandpa’ Fools Crow. Verifying they were welcome, the Evensons camped out and were surprised the next morning to learn that John Denver was also attending. This video shows some preparations for the gathering, the processional carrying in the round drum and dancing and chanting that followed. Fools Crow is in full regalia; speeches and prayers were delivered in the native Lakota language. His family is shown bringing gifts for the traditional ‘give away’ ceremony. Instead of receiving gifts on their birthdays, tribal leaders often give away blankets, shawls, pillows, and useful items to those in attendance. Dean and Dudley were given a blanket which they greatly treasured.

A naming ceremony occurs for Dik Darnell who was a supporter of the tribe and had a close relationship with Fools Crow, even producing an album of his chants. Buddy Red Bow, a popular Lakota singer is also shown. Women and children dance around the arbor circle and chanting follows. Powerful traditional dancing in feathers and fringe go on into the evening.

For more video on this gathering, watch: John Denver & Dean Evenson Chief Fools Crow 88th Birthday Pow Wow Pine Ridge, SD :    • John Denver & Dean Evenson - Chief Fools C...  

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Video by Dean & Dudley Evenson