Descendant of perpetrator of Wounded Knee Massacre apologizes to Native Americans
A descendant of the officer who ordered troops to massacre Native Americans at Wounded Knee has offered his formal apology to the direct descendants of victims.
Bradley Upton, 67, this week sought forgiveness for his ancestor's role in one of the most horrific events in US history, Reuters reported on Friday.
On Dec. 29, 1890, Upton’s great-great-grandfather, James Forsyth, commanded the US troops who killed more than 250 unarmed Lakota men, women and children during the Wounded Knee Massacre.
Upton said the event had haunted him for half a century.
"I felt a deep sadness and shame," he said, adding, “We have observed and experienced vividly in our family histories both past and present, the very dark shadow of the massacre and its karmic effect.”
The career musician described the Lakota people as “extraordinary people. They are so wise and beautiful." He said the acceptance of his apology had left a positive impression on him.
"The response has been unbelievable ... very positive and very touching," Upton said as he wept during a phone interview with Reuters. "Love is divine and forgiveness is divine."
During an event on Wednesday on Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota , Emanuel Red Bear, a teacher and spiritual advisor, told descendants of victims that they deserve Upton's apology. "Only one man had a conscience enough to come here to ask for forgiveness for what his great grandpa did," he said. "There needs to be more."
Forsyth, who was a colonel at the time of the massacre, was later twice promoted reaching the rank of major general.
In 1990, on the formal centennial of the killing, both Houses of Congress passed a resolution expressing "deep regret" over the event.
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