RAPID CITY, S.D.— Chief Leonard Crow Dog (Sicangu Lakota), a highly respected medicine man who served as a spiritual leader during the American Indian Movement’s 71-day siege of Wounded Knee on the Pineridge Indian Reservation in 1973, began his journey to the spirit world shortly after midnight Sunday at his home at Crow Dog's Paradise on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. He was 78.
“It has sadly come to our attention that, at approximately 12:40 am, Chief Leonard Crow Dog has made his journey to the Spirit World. This is a huge loss to the Indigenous community of Turtle Island and to the American Indian Movement.” Philip Yenyo, executive director, American Indian Movement of Ohio posted on his Facebook page.
Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.
Native News Online will publish an obituary for Chief Crow Dog on Monday.
Arthur Jacobs contributed to this article.
CORRECTION; An previous version of this article stated Chief Crow Dog passed away in Rapid City, S.D. He began his journey to the spirit world at home at Crow Dog's Paradise on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (November 24, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Whtie House Tribal Nations Summit Set for Dec. 9
Brennan Center for Justice Study Shows Native Americans Vote at Lower Rates Than Non-Natives
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.