PIERRE, S.D. –The 25^th day of June is Little Big Horn Recognition Day in the state of South Dakota. This working holiday is dedicated to the remembrance and recognition of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations encourages all state citizens to take a moment to remember the brave men on both sides of this battle and to learn about the importance of this day to the tribal citizens of our state. 

The Battle of the Little Big Horn took place on June 25, 1876, when contingents of the Sioux and Cheyenne nations fought against the United States Army represented by Lt. Col. George Custer and the Seventh Cavalry.

The opposing sides in this battle had very different lives, yet each fought bravely for what they believed. The indigenous Sioux were hundreds of years apart from the European colonialists in their way of life and had a value system based on how they lived. The encroachment of white settlers and the discovery of gold in Sioux territory would all play a part in this historic battle. 

“As we celebrate our 125^th Anniversary of statehood, we need to honor the resilience of our native and non-native ancestors who helped to shape the state of South Dakota,” said Secretary LaPlante. “We need to understand that historic opposition need not stand in the way of partnerships but should strengthen them. Although the Sioux won the battle that day, they had great respect for the bravery of the soldiers that fought against them. Let us share in that respect for each other.”

1-5-8.   Little Big Horn Recognition Day. The twenty-fifth day of June, to be known as Little Big Horn Recognition Day, shall be observed in this state as a working holiday. Little Big Horn Recognition Day is dedicated to the remembrance and recognition of the battle of Little Big Horn.

Source: SL 1994, ch 2, § 1.