A nationwide tribute to honor those who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic began at 3:30pm Billings time today (Tuesday 1/19), and the illuminated teepees on Sacrifice Cliff will be part of this memorial tonight.
According to a press release from the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council (RMTLC), the teepees will light up from dusk to dawn for the National Moment of Unity and Remembrance, part of the Inauguration ceremonies for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
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The lighting of the teepees on Sacrifice Cliff at Swords Park will honor those lost to the coronavirus and those lost to another pandemic brought almost two centuries ago to our Native lands, according to the press release.
Teepees in Montana honor tribal members lost to COVID-19
The seven teepees, erected on Dec. 19, symbolize the hope and unity of those who have suffered loss in 2020. Author: Associated Press Updated: 11:13 AM EST January 3, 2021
On Dec. 29, 14 flags flew parallel to the seven teepees standing against the wind on the Rims in Billings during a small ceremony acknowledging the enormous challenges tribal leaders have faced during the pandemic.
The flags, one for each of the 12 Tribal Nations in Montana, the state and the U.S., were planted at the Lighting of the Teepees: A Symbol of Hope display at Swords Park.
Gazette opinion: A beautiful, powerful symbol of loss, and triumph of the spirit billingsgazette.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from billingsgazette.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.