Stacey Slamka, avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, shares a page from her book of hiking around America to feature context and culture of Black Elk Peak: the highest point in South Dakota!
The Peak of Many Names
Harney Peak
Did you know that Black Elk Peak is known by numerous names? Although it is now called Black Elk Peak, it was formerly known as Harney Peak until August 11, 2016. The decision to rename the park was a response to requests from Native American groups, individuals and tribal leaders who found the former name, Harney Peak, offensive. The area was previously named to honor General William S. Harney, an American cavalry officer in the US Army whose legacy is marked by cruel actions against Native Americans. Harney Peak became Black Elk Peak to honor Black Elk, the Lakota holy man.
Ninhan Kaga and Hehaka Sapa
Black Elk Peak is particularly important to the Lakota, a Native American ribeye also known as Teton Sioux. These individuals are part of one of the main sub-groups of Native Americans that make up the Great Sioux Nation. Two names for Black Elk Peak that are significant to the Lakota are Hinhan Kaja (meaning ‘owl-maker’) and Hehaka Sapa (elk black). Both names are in the Lakota language.
Honoring Black Elk
In 2016, a unanimous 12-0 vote within the U.S. Board on Geographic Names decided on a name change from Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak. The new name honors Black Elk, a Lakota Sioux holy medicine man. This new name embodies honor not only for Black Elk, but also for the Lakota Sioux Native American people as a culture and as a community in South Dakota.
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