Sunday, September 20th, 2020 opened as a day of crystal, clear blue sky. Saturday in Rapid City had been gray, not from a lack of sunshine, but from the smoke that had drifted to South Dakota from the California fires that are currently destroying millions of acres of land, countless homes and wildlife beyond measure.

Sunday was the day that Henry Red Cloud was made a chief of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Henry is a fifth-generation direct descendant of Mahpiya Luta (Chief Red Cloud), one of the last Lakota war chiefs, and a signer of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty. Henry has been a protector of the Lakota Oyate for decades and a teacher of renewable energy and sustainable building for almost twenty years. He teaches a "New Way to Honor the Old Ways" to students from more than 50 tribes across the Northern Plains and far beyond.

Over the last two years, he readied himself through four phases of preparation to take on greater responsibilities; his efforts culminated this last weekend when more than 100 people gathered at Bear Butte, South Dakota, the sacred vision quest area, and participated in his "Making of a Chief Ceremony".

Chief Henry Red Cloud and his wife Gloria Red Cloud

The Ceremony was organized by Lula Red Cloud, the Matriarch and oldest woman of the Red Cloud family, together with other members of the Red Cloud family. Leonard Crow Dog, the great spiritual leader of American Indian Movement (AIM) and the Lakota people led the ceremony. Chief John Spotted Tail, Chief of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate, the direct descendant of the legendary Chief Spotted Tail, placed the bonnet upon Henry's head. Ivan Looking Horse was the Eyapaha (ceremony moderator) and Tamra Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail made the bonnet and filled the role of major organizer and supporter of this historical event.

Henry is not the only Lakota chief, but was honored by the above-named luminaries such as Chief Leonard Crow Dog, adding prestige and glory to his recognition. This year has been one of advancement for Henry Red Cloud. In May, he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Washington University and now has been made a chief. 2020 has been a powerful year for Henry and his family and cause for celebration.

Chief Henry Red Cloud and Chief John Spotted Tail at Bear Butte

Only eighteen months ago, Henry and his family were literally underwater from the rain and flooding that occurred in March of 2019. The Red Clouds used boats to get from building to building on their property; homes were filled with three feet of water and all of their earthly possessions were suffering or destroyed from water damage. That was one of the darkest moments for Henry and his family. However, the role of a true leader can only be filled by a person who is not deterred by challenges and the trials of life. Henry is such a person, born to be a leader for his family and tribe, and one who will not be downtrodden by the unwelcome surprises that come as part of human existence. To be able to witness his ceremony and partake in the happiness shared by Henry, his wife Gloria, his family and everyone present was one of my happiest days.

The day before, Lula Red Cloud, the matriarch of the family, told me that I was now a family member and gave me the task of bringing the buffalo berries to the traditional celebratory feast planned for the following day. After Henry was made chief, a give-away was orchestrated by Lula and several other family members who provide assistance to her in her many roles as matriarch. My name was called - I thought as an indication I was to give out copies of the New Observations Magazine issue on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Issue #135. Instead, Gloria Red Cloud wrapped me in a star quilt of traditional colors of red, black, white and yellow that represent the colors of the people of planet Earth.  I was given the opportunity to say a few words, thanking Lula and the Red Cloud family for this honor and for their extraordinary contribution to protecting and sustaining Mother Earth.

Venerated Chief Leonard Crow Dog

The expansion of consciousness that Henry Red Cloud experienced to assume his new role as a chief and role model for his people cannot be understated. The extraordinary legacy of his family and his leadership in stewarding to fruition the prediction of Chief Red Cloud and the 7th Generation prophecy in our present times is the task that Henry has taken on. All colors of people, just as in my star quilt, are now called to come together to protect the Earth and our environment, as old ways collapse and new sustainable ways are created in their place.

Red Cloud family Matriarch Lula Red Cloud welcoming guests/congratulating new Chief Henry Red Cloud

This summer has been a time of growth for me personally, as I have been challenged but not deterred in my role as publisher of New Observations, pushing boundaries and building a new level of activism for the magazine. As a direct result of publishing our issue on the Pine Ridge Reservation this past June, Alex White Plume has been paid for his hemp crop after a delay of two years, which most likely would have never happened without the pressure that this publication brought to bear. Discussions have opened up on the plight of Leonard Peltier that seemed impossible several years ago, and a vision of life on the reservation is available for our readership to experience firsthand through the paintings of Leonard Peltier and the photography of Mitch Epstein, John Willis and Keri Pickett and the In-Sight Photography Project.

Consciousness is the fuel for all that is greatest within us and is the direct result of our individual efforts. Let Henry Red Cloud be an example here to us all as we strive for the betterment of our families and our communities. We are in the time of the 7th Generation. It is a time when anything is possible. Let us reach for the stars…