SUPPORT THE VISIONS OF
CHIEF PLENTY COUPS
The Chief Plenty Coups Honor Guard & Drumming Group traveled to Arlington, VA on November 9, 2021, to participate in the 100-year anniversary ceremonies of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They honored their legendary leader Chief Plenty Coups, who 100 years ago was selected by his fellow Native American Chiefs to represent all native tribes at the inaugural ceremonies of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This project is supported by and will be documented by the Montana State Parks Foundation, in partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
THE BACKGROUND
On November 9, 2021, the Chief Plenty Coups Honor Guard & Drumming Group attended the centennial ceremonies, in Arlington, Virginia where they served and payed tribute to our nation's unknown fallen soldiers, just as Chief Plenty Coups did a century ago.
When Chief Plenty Coups attended the inaugural ceremonies for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, he was the only Native American Chief present that day. While he was given no formal opportunity to speak or pay homage to the fallen soldiers, he chose to rise and o er a blessing in his native language before laying his ceremonial headdress and coups stick on the tomb as an offering. Those items now reside at Arlington National Cemetery.
The “Visions of Chief Plenty Coups” documentary project is creating a lasting, accessible documentary series that captures the story of Chief Plenty Coups' participation in the inaugural ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington, VA, and the subsequent service of the Chief Plenty Coups Honor Guard, and Drumming Group at the 100th anniversary in November 2021.
Chief Plenty Coups’ home and the legacy he left behind are well represented at his namesake State Park. This is a chance to tell the story to a much broader audience than those who visit the park each year.
Two Native American filmmakers from Montana lead the project.
THE VISIONS OF CHIEF PLENTY COUPS
DOCUMENTARY PROJECT
Crow tribal members are guiding them in the production of a documentary-style film chronicling how his fellow Native American Chiefs selected Chief Plenty Coups to represent all native tribes at the inaugural ceremonies of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 100 years ago.
Our project documents the lead-up and preparations made by the Honor Guard and others and their service and participation in the 100th-anniversary ceremony. The film will include historical footage and other resources to tell the story of Chief Plenty Coups' involvement in the inaugural event in 1921.
Upon completion, we'll work to share the film with educators, state park partners, tribal partners, and regional media outlets across the West. This project will tie a nationally significant event to tribal and state park interests in Montana and provide context to this culturally historic milestone that happened over 100 years ago. It will also tell the story of a new generation of tribal members traveling to the Tomb to participate in the 100th-anniversary ceremony as a rare opportunity to provide cultural and historical context to an event that many passionate historians overlook.
Opportunities like these do not present themselves often. It is the perfect time to revisit the significance of the Chief Plenty Coups, the history of the tribe, the story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the State Park that bears the Chief’s name.
SPONSORS & PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
... AND YOU CAN HELP!
The Montana State Parks Foundation is seeking funding to ensure this historic event is documented and the story is told in a meaningful way.
We plan to hire tribal filmmakers, editors, and other specialists as needed to properly shoot, edit, and produce a documentary-style film that can be shared across many platforms. Additional funding is needed for principle photography, video editing, film distribution, and travel expenses for Honor Guard members.
Consider making your donation today.
