'Seek Shelter' at Trump's Fireworks Event at Mount Rushmore

Sequoia Crosswhite said he was honoring women with his flute song. After his performance, the scene went dark and the words "Seek Shelter!" were heard, as lightning and hail moved towards the event. 

'Seek Shelter' at Trump's Fireworks Event at Mount Rushmore

By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, July 3, 2026

Updated July 4, 2026: Statements by Oglala President Frank Star Comes Out

and the Indigenous Protector Movement

MOUNT RUSHMORE, South Dakota -- In a bolt of white patriotism, Trump denied the U.S. is built on stolen land and claimed those who believe this are "thieves, radicals, and lunatics" who he plans to exile. Sounding as if he was reading from a 1950s script on communism instead of the teleprompter, Trump's words were meant to divide.

A flutist opened Trump's fireworks event at Mount Rushmore, using the Lakota language, and said he is Cheyenne River Lakota and the descendant of chiefs. Sequoia Crosswhite said he was there "representing" with his music.

Crosswhite spoke of the seven generations and claimed he was honoring women.

"Next time you see one of the beautiful teepees that are set up, keep in mind, those belong to the women, the women put up those lodges."

"The women went out into the forest and cut down those pines and scraped the bark and branches off the trees."

"Without them, we would not exist."

"I would like to take the time to honor the daughters, the sisters, the mothers, the aunties, the grandmother, and great grandmothers," Crosswhite told the crowd.

Earlier, the Oglala Lakota Nation strongly opposed this event in the sacred Black Hills.

Oglala Lakota Oppose Fireworks Event at Mount Rushmore

Trump confirms that he will attend the fireworks event at Mount Rushmore in the Sacred Black Hills on July 3, 2026. The Oglala Lakota Council in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, passed a resolution opposing the event.

Protest in 2020 over fireworks event at Mount Rushmore. Photo credit Unicorn Riot Media.

Oglala Lakota Oppose Fireworks Event at Mount Rushmore

By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, June 16, 2026

See update: Live coverage and responses: 

https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2026/07/seek-shelter-at-trumps-fireworks-event.html

PINE RIDGE, South Dakota -- The Oglala Lakota Tribal Council opposes a presidential visit to Mount Rushmore for a fireworks celebration in the Sacred Black Hills, on July 3, 2026, which President Trump plans to attend.

"It should not occur," the Lakota Council said in its resolution, pointing out the violation of the aboriginal treaty, the Fort Laramie Treaty, and the distress Lakota already live with because of federal budget cuts.

The tribe's resolution points out the ongoing uranium mining and oil pipelines, including Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipeline, where sacred sites are being destroyed.

Sacred Wind Drum Carrier Speaks of Peace and Melting Ice -- World Peace and Prayer Day at Bear Butte

Sacred Wind Drum Carrier Speaks of Peace and Melting Ice

World Peace and Prayer Day at Bear Butte

By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, June 25, 2026

BEAR BUTTE, South Dakota -- Peace is not just the absence of war. Peace is how we treat one another, how we lift one another up, said the Carrier of the Sacred Wind Drum, speaking at World Peace and Prayer Day on Bear Butte.

Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) cannot be invaded because, he said, "I belong to this land."

Apache Stronghold '250 Years Later, What Does Freedom Mean for Indigenous Peoples?'

Photo courtesy Apache Stronghold

Apache Stronghold '250 Years Later, What Does Freedom Mean for Indigenous Peoples?'

By Laak’os Parsons, Member of Apache Stronghold,

Censored News, June 29, 2026

As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th  anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I find myself  asking a different question: What does independence mean for  Indigenous peoples whose lands, religions, and sovereignty continue  to be threatened?  

As a young Indigenous woman, I am fighting to protect my identity, defend our sacred sites, and preserve a future for the generations who will come after me. For me, this anniversary is less a  celebration than a reminder that the nation's founding brought  extreme losses for Indigenous peoples—our lands, sovereignty, cultures, and countless lives. It is also a reminder that many of those  struggles continue today.