Year of the American Indian

Rose Powell Nelson Ecoffey, also known as Princess Blue Water, was born in 1880 to scout John Y. Nelson and Jenny Lone Wolf of the Red Cloud family. Named by Buffalo Bill Cody, she became an interpreter, performer, and longtime representative of the Oglala Lakota at Cheyenne Frontier Days™. Beginning in the late 1930s, she and her troupe entertained audiences at the Indian Village, parades, and arena performances for more than 40 years.

Great-grandson of the famed Hunkpapa leader Sitting Bull, Calvin Jumping Bull performed at Cheyenne Frontier Days™ for more than 41 years. A Lakota Men’s Omaha Dancer from 1963–1979, he later led the Lakota dance troupe, improving performances, participant conditions, and public presentation. He received the CFD Silver Appreciation Badge in 1965 and was named a 100th Anniversary Parade Marshal.

Billy Evans Hunting Horse and the Southern Plains Intertribal Indian Dance Group played a major role in shaping the modern Indian Village at Cheyenne Frontier Days™. Beginning in 1980, Hunting Horse helped expand the Village while preserving its authenticity and cultural pride. Under his leadership, the group brought professional dancers, musicians, PowWows, storytelling, and cultural programming that greatly increased attendance and strengthened Native American representation at CFD.