The Black Hills of South Dakota hold profound significance for Lakota artist Marty Two Bulls Jr., extending beyond their natural beauty. This mountain range serves as a vital element of the origin story for several tribal nations, including his own. It stands as a powerful symbol in the global campaign for Indigenous land rights and the prevention of the destruction of sacred sites. Mount Rushmore is particularly poignant for the Lakota, representing a prominent scar on the landscape. Likewise, the former gold mine beneath poses another deep wound, prompting Two Bulls to utilize his performance art for a symbolic cleansing.
The concept of “land back” encompasses a variety of meanings and is part of an Indigenous-led initiative aimed at restoring tribal self-determination through the ownership and stewardship of ancestral lands. The Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people refer to the area as “He Sapa,” meaning “black ridge,” a name inspired by the visual impression created when green pines meet the blue sky above. For them, this site marks the beginning of creation, yet it has been marred by gold mining for generations.
Today, the area that once hosted the Homestake Gold Mine, with its extensive network of tunnels stretching 300 miles (480 kilometers) within the mountains, is home to the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). This facility is dedicated to advancing studies in particle physics and dark matter, utilizing the granite-encased shafts for exploring the mysteries of the cosmos. As an artist in residence at SURF, Two Bulls experienced a profound connection to the mine’s depths, juxtaposed with a deep sense of loss due to the site’s historical desecration.
Two Bulls acknowledges the significance of the cutting-edge research conducted at the site but also seeks to remind all involved of its sacred importance long before its value was measured in gold or scientific inquiry. He determined that a straightforward yet meaningful act could bridge these perspectives: smudging.
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Smudging, a practice of spiritual and physical cleansing, involves burning plants like sage, cedar, or sweetgrass, enveloping spaces and people in smoke. This tradition has long been prevalent across Indigenous communities. Recently, Two Bulls performed a smudging ceremony using sage donated by Native contributors from places such as the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and beyond. Over an hour, he burned these bundles at the entrance of the former mine, using eagle feathers to fan the flames, symbolically purifying the site revered by his people as the universe’s center. Remarkably, sensors nearly a mile underground detected the smoke.
Rylan Sprague, a botanist and member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, as well as the chair of SURF’s cultural advisory committee, expressed admiration for Two Bulls’ ability to transform the ordinary into something profound. Two Bulls’ project, “Azilya,” named after the Lakota word for smudging, aims to bridge Western scientific approaches with Indigenous perspectives. His work from his time at SURF is currently on display at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Many researchers and staff members witnessed Two Bulls’ ceremony, gaining insight into the community’s reverence for the site. Although the site primarily functions as a workplace, Two Bulls hopes that his intentions will foster an understanding of its sacred nature. The room remained silent as smoke and prayers descended deep beneath the earth’s surface, underscoring the gravity of the moment.
The Tangible Impact
- Revitalizing Traditional Practices: The use of smudging reconnects Indigenous communities with ancestral customs, promoting cultural continuity and emotional healing.
- Fostering Mutual Respect: The collaboration between Indigenous perspectives and Western science encourages dialogue and mutual respect, enriching research environments and cultural understanding.
- Highlighting Environmental Stewardship: The performance art draws attention to the need for responsible land stewardship, advocating for sustainable practices and honoring sacred sites.
- Enhancing Community Engagement: Such cultural events invite broader community participation, fostering inclusivity and awareness of Indigenous issues and traditions.
- Promoting Historical Awareness: By addressing historical injustices, the initiative encourages reflection and education on the impact of past actions on present-day Indigenous communities.