Heirs of Custer and Sitting Bull Reflect on a Historical Legacy

As the anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn nears, descendants of two significant historical figures continue to navigate the enduring impact of a pivotal event in U.S. history. These individuals have personal connections to George Armstrong Custer and Sitting Bull, two leaders who faced each other in this historic battle.

Sitting Bull’s great-grandson, Ernie LaPointe, remembers his childhood in South Dakota. His mother advised him to keep the identity of his famous ancestor a secret to ensure a normal upbringing. LaPointe, now 77, recalls her telling him he would eventually have the opportunity to share his lineage.

It wasn’t until the early 1990s that LaPointe publicly acknowledged his heritage. An aunt encouraged him to step out from the shadows, marking a significant moment in his life. Now residing in Lead, South Dakota, LaPointe dedicates himself to preserving the legacy of Sitting Bull. The Hunkpapa Lakota leader is remembered for his resistance against the U.S. government’s attempts to seize the Great Plains. His legacy continues to hold substantial importance, perhaps even more pronounced after his death.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn remains a complex and controversial event in American history. Descendants of its participants, like LaPointe, continue to feel its reverberations, deeply connecting them to their ancestral past.