Greg Grey Cloud facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Greg Grey Cloud
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Grey Cloud in 2021
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Greg Grey Cloud is a respected leader, singer, and activist from the Crow Creek Nation. He works hard to protect the environment and stand up for the rights of Native American people. He also helped start an organization called Wica Agli, which aims to make communities safer for everyone.
He became well-known across the country for his actions. For example, he sang a special Honor Song in the Senate after a big pipeline project was stopped. He also led a group called the Spirit Riders to protect the Standing Rock Reservation during protests against another pipeline.
Standing Up for Important Causes
Greg Grey Cloud is known for his strong activism and dedication to important causes. He believes in protecting the Earth and ensuring that Native American voices are heard and respected.
Speaking Out in the Senate
On November 18, 2014, Greg Grey Cloud met with Senator Tim Johnson and other lawmakers. They were discussing a plan for a large oil pipeline called the Keystone XL Pipeline. After a very close vote, the senators decided not to approve the pipeline.
To show his respect and honor the senators for their decision, Greg Grey Cloud stood up and sang a traditional song. He later explained that it was a song of honor for their hard work and courage. Even though security was called, all charges against him were later dropped in court.
Protecting Water at Standing Rock
In the fall of 2016, Greg Grey Cloud was on the front lines of the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Many Native American "water protectors" and their supporters gathered to protect their land and water. They faced security guards and police from different areas.
Grey Cloud rode on horseback, dressed in traditional regalia, as part of a small group called the Spirit Riders. He explained that they used traditional ways to stand up to the police.
Medicine men first painted our horses and used medicine carried by Crazy Horse before we dressed the horses. ... We counted coup on the police who were trying to keep the water protectors away. The police moved back and ran away so that the protectors could move forward and protect the land where our ancestors were buried.
During these protests, the Spirit Riders and their horses faced many challenges. Greg Grey Cloud reported that on October 28, some of the Crow Creek horses and riders were chased by police on ATVs. The riders and two horses were injured, and sadly, one horse was badly hurt and couldn't recover.
As a visible leader in the Dakota Access Pipeline resistance, Greg Grey Cloud was often interviewed. He spoke about the increasing challenges faced by the water protectors, including security forces and surveillance. Many groups, like the ACLU, also showed their support for the water protectors.
