Tribes from different states wrapped up their annual Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run and Walk Sunday morning at the Colorado State Capitol.
The event is in remembrance of the nearly 200 tribal members who were killed more than 150 years ago in the Sand Creek Massacre.
The run started on Thursday in Eads, the historical site of the tragedy.
When it ended at the capitol, the representatives from the tribes reminded everyone why they walk.
“It’s extremely important to remember the massacre, primarily because it’s part of our history as Cheyenne people, but also because of the depth of the violence that took place there,” said Conrad Fisher of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana. “I mean, we’re talking about children that were killed, mothers that were begging to keep the children alive, women that were disemboweled and had their unborn babies taken out of their wombs.
“It was horrific.”
The Sand Creek Massacre occurred on Nov. 29, 1864. According to the National Parks Service website, it “changed the course of history.”
A 675-man force of the U.S. Volunteer Cavalry – led by Colonel John Chivington – attacked a band of peaceful Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians.
Nine of Chivington’s men were killed, but 148 Native Americans were slaughtered that day.
