FORT PECK — At the eastern edge of the reservation, the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes gathered to welcome home a caravan from Pennsylvania carrying the remains of three teens who died at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School during the Indian assimilation era. Christine Redstone, Peter Howe, and Richard Morgan, who died over a century ago, were finally returning home.
On the Big Muddy Creek Bridge, marking the reservation boundary, families embraced as a white van carrying wooden caskets, draped in tribal flags, paused briefly. The procession continued west through small communities along the reservation, where people in orange clothing stood as a sign of honor and welcome for the returning remains.
Days of community celebrations and speeches followed, culminating in reburials. This event, involving surviving relatives, provided a moment for collective grief, healing, and reconnecting with cultural heritage. Former tribal chairman Justin Gray Hawk Sr. expressed, “Today is a beautiful day…our children are finally home; they are home where they belong.”
Who They Were
The three teens arrived at Carlisle School on April 15, 1890. Christine Redstone, daughter of Assiniboine Chief Redstone, was 15 when she left Fort Peck and died at 24. Peter Howe entered at 16 and passed at 22, while Richard Morgan died less than a year after his arrival at age 17. All succumbed to tuberculosis.
In the lead-up to the homecoming, several tribal members traveled to Pennsylvania, experiencing a mix of emotions as they visited the school and cemetery. Fort Peck councilman Barry Bighorn, part of the visiting group, reflected on the significance, saying, “It is important…but how do you, how can anyone appreciate it if they haven’t experienced it?”
Peter and Richard
Peter Howe and Richard Morgan were ceremonially reburied in Poplar, following a town parade. Attendees, including former councilman Tommy Christian, spoke about forgiveness and personal growth. Christian noted, “These three individuals helped me…really deal with this ability to trust others…I wanna thank…for giving me that opportunity.”
Community members, led by Adrian Pipestem, kept vigil overnight with a tipi sheltering the boys’ remains. Pipestem remarked, “My kids got it so good compared to what these kids went through.”
Christine
The wake for Christine Redstone took place at a community center in Frazer, with her descendants deciding to rebury her in Oswego. During the wake, Michelle Feather Earring Harada stressed the importance of sharing stories, particularly with the youth. Emotions ran high as family member Michael Redstone recalled her visit to Carlisle, expressing frustration and empathy towards Christine’s experience.
Throughout the events, Dyan Youpee-Scott, cultural preservation director, played a pivotal role, ensuring that updates and details were shared via a public Facebook group, enabling those unable to travel to participate virtually.
A Path Forward
Ethan Three Stars, cultural language teacher and researcher, emphasized the significance of reclaiming cultural identity. Reflecting on the past, he noted, “A long time ago…language and culture were stripped physically.” He hopes future generations will gain both physical and spiritual components of their heritage, ultimately enriching their cultural identity.
—
Read More Montana News
