Our family has maintained an unbroken oral history passed down through generations, supported by legal documents, allotment records, and verified genealogical evidence. We are direct lineal descendants through Richard Spotted Elk and his descendants.  We have probate records, historical documentation, a large geneaological database and other descendant familiy trees as well as a rare historical record kept by the US government on notable Lakota leaders.  

This is a long story but to summarize, the name “Big Foot” was given by U.S. soldiers and used broadly in colonial records. Unfortunately, this led to a historical mix-up between Chief Spotted Elk of the Minneconjou and a different man of the Oglala Lakota with a similar nickname. We have worked carefully with descendants and historians, providing documents to clarify this confusion.

We are working with over 130 descendants to correct the historical record, preserve oral histories, protect our language, and advocate for an accurate memorial at Wounded Knee. We also seek to have the Medals of Honor rescinded from soldiers who took part in the massacre.

That is our hope and something we have been working toward for almost 20 years, now.  The research is a big part of piecing families back together.  It may not be possible to remember every single name but we are certain we can clear up many of the questions and errors on the current lists, as a result of our research.  With further research, there is a better chance but it is painstaking labor of love.  A bill is in the works for a memorial (Sacred Site Act) but it was recently killed in the Senate (2024) due to unrelated issues from a North Carolina senator so we will have to start again.  

Much of our history was suppressed, misrecorded, or ignored by outside institutions. Many families, including ours, were taught to remain quiet for our personal safety. Only now are we in a position to speak out, correct errors, and reclaim our place in the narrative.  Also access to the outside world.  Traditional people typically are not outward facing.  The internet has changed this and that is why we started facebook pages.  We are just a small family, though and cannot keep up with everything in addition to regular life.  We are doing our best to balance this.  

Descendants from across the country are collaborating through shared records, oral interviews, and private family archives. We’ve built a historical database and continue to vet, document, and protect our truth.

Most are enrolled at Pine Ridge or Cheyenne River, Standing Rock and Rosebud reservations. Some live off-reservation but remain closely connected through kinship, ceremony, and our ongoing work.  We are still looking for descendants.  Some may be in Canada, as well.  This is an area where we could use resources.  

We strongly oppose the commercialization of this sacred place. Wounded Knee is a mass grave and a site of profound trauma and memory. It should be honored with respect - not exploited for profit.  It should be a place of respect first and education and cultural preservation second.  Too many times, outsiders come and disrespect the graves.  As someone whose entire family is buried there, this is deeply upsetting to me.  I would ask that people do not fired guns on the cemetery grounds, also.  And do not harass people visiting.  Please set up your stands well away from the gravesite.