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Funeral Services for Alberta Mae Black Bear, age 55, of Wounded Knee, SD will be Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Church of God in Wounded Knee, SD with Reverend Stanley Hollow Horn and Reverend Don Mink officiating.

A two night wake will begin Thursday, September 8th at 4:30 PM at the Church of God in Wounded Knee, SD.

Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery in Wounded Knee, SD.

Immediate Survivors:

Sons: Aaron Black Bear and Roger Davis of Rapid City, SD

Daughter: Wita Davis of Rapid City, SD

Sisters: Bernice Spotted Eagle of Wounded Knee, SD and Darlene Red Star of Pine Ridge, SD

Brother: Curtis Black Bear of Wounded Knee, SD

Grandsons: Carlos, Unpo, Atrejo, and Jeremy, Jr.

Granddaughters: Samantha, Rose, Caricita, and Kayden

Preceded in Death:

Parents: Eugene Black Bear, Sr. and Lydia Ruth Eagle Bear Black Bear

Sons: Baby Frank Eagle Bear, Ozuya Davis, and Baby Boy Davis

Brother: Eugene Black Bear, Jr.

Sisters: Elizabeth Fast Horse, Madilyn Byrd, and Emma Kay Black Bear

Alberta Mae Black Bear was born on February 9, 1956 in her family’s home in Wounded Knee, SD. Her parents were Eugene Black Bear, Sr. and Lydia Ruth Eagle Bear Black Bear. The midwife was Mary Lame Dog.

Alberta peacefully slipped away from this life on Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 12:03 PM while closely surrounded by her family and friends at the Rapid CityRegionalHospital in Rapid City, SD.

Alberta was a well known activist for the American Indian Movement, becoming involved because she believed in the need and the purpose of A.I.M. Alberta was a leader and a warrior, not afraid to stand up for those who couldn’t. She was committed to seeing and brining about change to make life better for those around her. In 1973, Alberta was involved in the 73 day Wounded Knee Occupation as a cook, eventually being arrested and jailed for her participation. From then on, Alberta personally addressed situations dealing with the erosion of Indians rights and sovereignty. She participated in several marches and protests over the years; protesting at CusterCounty courthouse following the death of Bad Heart Bull, marched in Gordon, NE following the death of Yellow Thunder, she cooked for the Yellow Thunder Camp, marched to White Clay and cooked at CampJustice following the deaths of Black Elk and Hard Heart. She patrolled the creek areas of Rapid City, SD after several deaths of the native community. Alberta was a formidable woman with a heart of compassion and service to others.

Alberta’s life was not an easy one, but she met her struggles with courage. Her smile and sense of humor are as well known as her love of cooking for family events and for others. Alberta believed that she could make a difference in the lives of those around her, especially her own families. She has left many to mourn her and miss her. But it is her belief in the Church, that has always inspired her to know that her journey will continue on and she will see her loved ones again.

Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements.