Remembering Robert F. Kennedy - Forty years later, family members come to Pine Ridge

[Waya]

WASHINGTON - John F. Kennedy may have inspired ideals that people everywhere still try to live by, but his younger brother was arguably the greater idealist. And Robert F. Kennedy was never more worthy of that fame than when visiting the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Oglala Lakota.

A first visit had moved him deeply to do something as a U.S. senator from New York. He made a second stop on his 1968 campaign, en route to the California primary that would have consolidated his momentum as the next Democratic presidential nominee, had he lived.

His widow, Ethel Kennedy, and a son, Max, came to Pine Ridge May 16, 40 years to the day after RFK's 1968 appearance. They were campaigning for the current Democratic presidential contender, Barack Obama. ......


http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417364

[yellerpup]

1. Wow! Ethel and Max Kennedy returned 40 years later

to the Pine Ridge Reservation. What a great honor going both ways. I'm not surprised Robert Kennedy's family is backing another brilliant idealist for the presidency, but I would have liked to see this story on the front page of the NY Times. Good to see it here. Thanks.

[CountAllVotes]

2. great story!

thanks for finding it and sharing it with us!!

Wado!!

:D

[mikekohr]

3. Nellie Two Bulls and Robert F. Kennedy

http://www.brotherhooddays.com/Nellie.html

"Touching a child's heart is like planting a flower that never dies."
Nellie Two Bulls (Zintkala To Win -Bluebird Woman-)

Pictured July 1999-



"Grandma Nellie," as she was known by thousands of people from all over the world
journeyed to the Spirit World on February 18th, 2007. With her passing was lost one of the
great links to the traditions of the past. The darkness brought by her passing is lifted by the
shining example of her life.

Nellie, a direct descendant of Chief Man Afraid of his Horses was born on January 25th, 1926.
She resided in Pine Ridge Reservation's Payaba community for over 79 of her 81 years on this Earth.

Nellie married her beloved husband Matthew in 1940 and they remained inseparable for 54 years
until his passing in 1994. They had 7 children, 30 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren. and
over 100 Hunka (adopted) children and grandchildren.

She and Matthew were storytellers, singers and educators, the likes of which may not be seen
again. They traveled all over the United States teaching the songs, stories and traditions of the
Lakota People. Especially memorable to Nellie was an honor song she sang at a memorial service
in Rhode Island for Senator Robert Kennedy.

Nellie taught at Red Cloud Indian School for over 20 years. She was a Board member for KILI radio,
a Tribal Council member representing Wakpammi District, and on the advisory board for
Journey's Museum in Rapid City where her holographic image is featured in a storytelling exhibit.
Nellie and Matthew were honored by Rapid City by having a day named in their honor. Nellie was
honored by "The Northern Plains Tribal Arts," and named "A Living Treasure Award." Nellie was
given a lifetime achievement award by "The Black Hills Pow Wow Association," she held an
Honorary Doctorate Degree from the Oglala Laktoa College and awarded a "First People Fund
Community Spirit Award."