"LEGACY RETURNED"

A collection of sacred items was returned to Sicangu Leader Chief John Spotted Tail and his wife Tamara Stands And Looks Back-Spotted Tail recently by the family of Major Cisero Newell.
Major Cisero Newell (1840-1913) became the Agent of the Rosebud Indian Agency in 1879, after serving in the Civil War. He became very good friends with Chief Spotted Tail while he was the Agent here on the Rosebud. Because of their close friendship, Chief Spotted Tail gifted Major Newell with beaded moccasins, a buckskin shirt and pants, and a headdress.
On August 3, 2020, a ceremony was held in La Center Washington, and the heirlooms were returned to Chief John Spotted Tail, direct 5th generation descendant of Chief Spotted Tail, by Major Newell's family.
Having been passed down six generations, James Newell - descendant of Major Newell - and his son Eric James Newell, decided the time had come to decide what to do about these sacred and beloved items. They felt it was their responsibility to return them to their rightful owner, which led them to Chief John Spotted Tail.
According to Chief John Spotted Tail and his wife, Tamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail, "The exchange of the sacred items became a symbolic gesture of healing, of fostering understanding between two families separated by generations."
When Chief John Spotted Tail was handed the items he expressed gratitude and embraced the return of his grandfather's items, appreciative they were returned "home".
Major Cisero Newell wrote a book, "Indian Stories", and in it, on the last page, he wrote, "As for the old Chief Spotted Tail, I shall always have the kindest remembrances of him. It was he who took so much interest in my learning the peculiar ways of his people and their religion. When the time comes for me to pass on to the Happy Hunting Ground of the future life, I hope that one of the first persons I may meet there will be my dear old friend Spotted Tail. I want to show him how much I love him and how I respect him as a brother."
During the 52nd Annual SGU Founders Day Week Celebration, held January 29 - February 4, 2024, "History Day" was held on January 30th - wherein which the history of SGU was shared at the public forum held - and Chief John Spotted Tail was invited to speak about the history of Chief Spotted Tail and the Spotted Tail Tiospaye aimed at bringing unity, vision, and education to our present Oyate and our future generations. Sinte Gleska University derives its name from Sicangu Leader, Chief Spotted Tail (Sinte Gleska).
Chief John Spotted Tail and his wife, Tamara Stands And Looks Back-Spotted Tail, loaned the repatriated heirlooms to the SGU Sicangu Heritage Center for the week of the Founders Day Celebration for all students, staff, faculty, and Founders Day Celebration visitors to view.