"It is a story told in bronze and concrete, in wind and earth, and in the wrinkles of an old cottonwood tree. A story few people know or connect with the Civil War. It is a story about a man, half white half Cheyenne, fighting as a Confederate soldier and a Cheyenne warrior. It is a story about a battle for freedom, and human rights." This film premiered as one of several commemorative events of the 150th remembrance of the Sand Creek Massacre in 2014. Through the life of George Bent, Sand Creek Massacre descendants and historians share the events leading up to, and the morning of, November 29, 1864 when approximately 675 U.S. volunteer soldiers commanded by Colonel John M. Chivington attacked a village of about 750 Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians along the Big Sandy Creek in southeastern Colorado Territory.
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About the Sand Creek Massacre
American history, and the history of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, were forever changed when US troops led by Colonel John M. Chivington killed approximately 230 peaceful people, composed mostly of women, children, and elders camped along the banks of Big Sandy Creek in southeastern Colorado territory. Although the Cheyenne and Arapaho--under Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and others--believed they were under the protection of the U.S. Army on their ratified treaty lands, Chivington's troops attacked the village of about 750 Cheyenne and Arapaho people severely impacting the traditional knowledge, language, social structures, ceremonies, songs, language, governing councils, and much more for generations.
About the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation
The Sand Creek Massacre Foundation was founded as the non-profit partner to the National Park Service, and the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, to support educational initiatives including the Center for Sand Creek Massacre Studies. Through our work, the Foundation contributes to lifelong learning about the massacre, honoring those who were lost, efforts for those who seek healing, and those who continue to be affected by this and other atrocities.
