Custer's last stand performed again.

Windspeaker Staff Writer

HARDIN, Montana

A re-enactment of the most controversial battle in American Indian history is gaining recognition from all over the world, but members say the event depicts more than just a vicious war.

"It is a very strong portrayal of brave people," said Laura Lowe, public relations co-ordinator for the re-enactment of Custer's last stand. "It's a chance for audiences to see the complexities of cultures, an opportunity to show skills, traditions and just the daily lives of these people."

She said the performance tells the story of significant events and treaties from the perspectives of the tribes who lived in the area.

The original battle, that took place in 1876, was fought on the Little Bighorn River in remote southeastern Montana between the U.S. army's 7th cavalry, led by Major General George Custer, and the Cheyenne and the Sioux.

Custer and his troops faced the largest Indian fighting force ever assembled and were outgunned by the Indians. None of Custer's men survived the battle.

Consequently, the United States hunted down the tribes that took part in the battle. Some of the Sioux escaped to Canada, including Sitting Bull (who did not take part in the battle.) Others were killed or imprisoned. The Cheyenne were exiled to Indian territory after an attack on their villages.

Out of a performance lasting more than an hour, the battle scene takes only about 20 minutes, about as long as the original. There are other elements to the re-enactment, including scenes depicting Indian traditions, the pioneer way of life, a travois scene, and many others.

"It is important knowing that 100 years ago this really did take place. Everyone works together as a whole to make the re-enactment real. There is a camaraderie of one common goal - to make it a good show. We have friendships with one another, and an excitement to work together to portray the events and the people," said director Julie Luther.

Cast members of the show meet with people at the end of every performance to answer questions. They say many audience members are very affected by the performance.

Luther said the cast members often get very involved in the show, since many of them are connected through ancestry.

"It's very important, because a lot of them are portraying their heritage. No one participates for the money. It is an experience. Common interests in history bring many from other regions to participate as well."

Organizers say the annual performance has sparked a tremendous amount of interest around the world, attracting between 2,000 and 3,000 viewers to each performance.

Lowe said the response toreenactment is so widespread because of the interest in the history of the American West and the mystery surrounding the battle.

"No one really knows for sure what happened."