Trump’s 80th & US 250th: Black Hills Protest Planned | Indigenous Concerns
Rapid City, South Dakota – As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, a planned celebration is drawing sharp criticism from Indigenous leaders, particularly Nick Tilsen, founder of the NDN Collective. The potential location for festivities – a site within the Black Hills – holds deep significance for several Indigenous nations, and Tilsen has made clear his refusal to participate in what he views as a glorification of a violent history.
Tilsen, a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation, believes the anniversary celebrations are particularly ill-timed given the current political climate. He specifically cited concerns about the direction of the country under President Donald Trump, who is also celebrating his 80th birthday this year. “Instead of glorifying the violent history of the United States, I am much more interested in talking about what the next 250 years will gaze like,” Tilsen stated in a recent interview. “Especially at a time when democracy here is crumbling. Donald Trump’s regime has nothing to offer for the future and is only celebrating false narratives about the past.”
The Black Hills, known as Paha Sapa in Lakota, were seized from Indigenous tribes in the mid-19th century following a gold rush and subsequent military campaigns. Despite numerous legal challenges and ongoing claims, the land has not been returned to its original owners. Tilsen’s own knuckles bear tattooed reminders of this ongoing struggle: the words “LAND BACK.” He views the potential use of a sacred site within the Black Hills for a national celebration as a profound act of disrespect.
Tilsen’s activism extends beyond symbolic protests. He leads the NDN Collective, an organization dedicated to Indigenous rights and networking, and has previously worked alongside figures like former President Barack Obama and, more recently, secured the release of long-imprisoned Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier under the Biden administration. However, he expresses deep concern that the progress made during the Biden years is now threatened under a second Trump administration.
The planned celebrations approach as President Trump reportedly considers establishing a sculpture garden of “American Heroes.” This proposal has further fueled anxieties among Indigenous communities, who fear it will further marginalize their history and claims. Tilsen has not detailed specific plans to counter the celebrations, but indicated he is formulating strategies to challenge the current administration’s policies and narratives.
The United States’ 250th anniversary is scheduled to be observed throughout 2026, with details regarding the location and nature of the main celebrations still under development. As of today, the White House has not responded to requests for comment regarding concerns raised by Indigenous leaders about the potential use of the Black Hills for anniversary events.