Bear Butte - Black Hills (South Dakota, USA)

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Original material by Hamline University, St Paul.

Bear Butte is a distinctive feature of the landscape in western South Dakota in the area of the Black Hills. Like many sites, its spiritual significance is not to be found in the great heights of its topography as this photo demonstrates. Its significance is to be found in its significance as "place" rather than as simply another "space" -- it is unique, irreplaceable and filled with great power. For centuries it has been a place to which Lakota and Tsistsistas people, among others, have gravitated for spiritual renewal. With the coming of the European settlers, it was claimed by another people for its physical characteristics. This set up the conflict that continues today, most recently addressed in the case of Fools Crow v. Gullet, 706 F.2d 857 (1983), cert. denied, 104 S.Ct. 413 (1983).

All Rights Reserved, 1995.

Last update: 09-05-95