Native American-led Nonprofit Purchases 40 Acres in the Black Hills

The Cheyenne River Youth Project acquires land near Bear Butte State Park, a move aligned with the growing 'Land Back' movement.

The Cheyenne River Youth Project announced the purchase of nearly 40 acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota, aiming to restore Indigenous access to ancestral lands.
The land is adjacent to Bear Butte State Park, one of the most sacred places for the Lakota Nation, whose access was restricted in the late 19th century.
The U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged in 1980 that the U.S. had illegally taken the Black Hills, leading to ongoing disputes over land rights.
The 'Land Back' movement, which seeks to return land to Indigenous people, has gained momentum in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
High costs and distances have hindered access to sacred sites for many Indigenous people, influencing the decision to purchase the land.