150th Anniversary of the Signing of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the passage of time and a particularly significant event in this Nation's history. In a few short days, Tribal leadership, historians, community leaders, and the public will gather at the Fort Laramie National Historic Site in Wyoming to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the signing of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. As it did in the years preceding the signing of the treaty, the area around Fort Laramie, WY, will again serve as a place where cultures, minds, and governments meet.

Over its history, the Fort Laramie area was home to Tribes of the Great Plains, represented a waypoint for emigrants as they traveled West, and became an economic center as trade routes were established. As conflict among Indian and non-Indian groups grew, Fort Laramie became a military post to quell disputes.

History is marred by the years-long conflicts with Tribal communities. The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie and others like it were intended to bring peace to whole regions of peoples. It took nearly 7 months to negotiate the contents of the treaty and gather signatories. Among the more than 200 signatories were Tribal leaders, U.S. Government officials, and military leaders. It is important to recognize and remember those who signed in the hope that the treaty would bring resolution to ongoing conflicts. Equally, we should reflect on those who did not sign, as that omission is an important part of this history.

Despite the signing of the treaty, conflict persisted. Today we must continue to work to address the inequities that remain across Indian Country. As those signatories of the treaty knew in 1868, treaties and the trust responsibilities to which the U.S. Government committed continue to shape modern relationships with the sovereign Tribes. True government-to-government relationships and respect for Tribal sovereignty are at the heart of Congress's responsibilities in helping to ensure a brighter future for Tribal communities.

As they gather at Fort Laramie at the end of April, Tribes will share their histories and cultures. Among the exchange of traditional prayers, songs, and dances, Tribes will also lead discussions about the future of Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights.

In the joint resolution passed during this year's session, the Wyoming State Legislature appropriately recognized that `` . . . the legacy of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie has had an impact in numerous ways on the lives of Tribal members of Tribes party to the Treaty from generation to generation since the signing. . . .''

Recognizing the 150th anniversary of the signing of the treaty requires reflection and introspection, but should also inspire hope for the future. The upcoming events at Fort Laramie National Historic Site offer a unique educational opportunity to highlight the vibrant Tribal cultures that have also endured for generations.

I am proud to recognize this important anniversary and reflect on the 150 years since the signing of the Treaty of Fort Laramie. Historic places and the documents inspired by a confluence of values and ideas should not be forgotten. We must remember the events that led to the signing of the treaty, and those that followed, and continue the important work to develop strong relationships and be good partners with sovereign Tribal nations.

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