News Release
Billings Gazette
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Contact: Christy Fleming, 307-548-5406
Lovell, WY: On February 27, 2020, Crow Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Adrian Bird Jr., Volunteer, Johnny Tim Yellowtail, and Dr. Shane Doyle will present the importance of the Crazy Mountains to the Crow Tribe. Following the presentations there will be a panel discussion on the Crazy Mountains. The presentation and panel will be held at 6:30 pm, in the Lovell Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center.The Crazy Mountains, known to the Crow Tribe as Awaxawapiia, are considered a sacred place and were once part of Crow Tribal Lands. Before white settlers came to the area it was, and continues to be, a place to fast and pray for dreams which give strength and guidance to the Crow people. In 1860, Chief Plenty Coups spent four days fasting and praying in these mountains. In a dream he saw the disappearance of the bison and saw them replaced by cattle. When the dream was interpreted, the Crow were instructed to work with the people that came with the cattle, and not make war with them. In 1868, the Crow lost ownership of the Crazy Mountains, but to this day still go to them for ceremonial guidance, and to fast, pray, and pursue dreams.
The Custer Gallatin National Forest is currently revising its forest management plan, including for the Crazy Mountains, and some of the privately-held areas on the mountain range have changed ownership. These actions have raised concerns within the Crow tribal community regarding the fate of the mountains.
Dr. Shane Doyle, Adrian Bird Jr, and Johnny Tim Yellowtail, will discuss the importance of the Crazy Mountains and how development could forever change the traditional uses of the mountains for the Crow people.
For additional information about this program contact Christy Fleming, Chief of Interpretation at Bighorn Canyon, at 307-548-5402.
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Last updated: February 23, 2020