Nick Tilsen and Indigenous Protest Against US 250th Anniversary Celebration

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026 and with President Donald Trump turning 80, plans for a celebratory event at a sacred site in the Black Hills are facing opposition from Indigenous activists. Nick Tilsen, a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation and founder of the NDN Collective, is leading the charge against what he views as a glorification of a violent history.

Who is Nick Tilsen?

Nick Tilsen is a prominent Indigenous rights advocate and the founder of the NDN Collective, an organization dedicated to Indigenous rights and networking in America. He is known for his advocacy for the return of the Black Hills to Indigenous control. Tilsen’s Lakota name is TaBloka Waketa – Far-Sighted Bison. He has previously worked with former President Barack Obama and benefited from a presidential release granted by Joe Biden to Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier before Trump took office. Source: Der Spiegel

The Black Hills and Indigenous Claims

The Black Hills hold deep significance for several Indigenous nations, having been their home for centuries before being seized by white settlers during a gold rush and through actions by the U.S. Military approximately 150 years ago. Tilsen believes the issue of the Black Hills remains unresolved. Source: Der Spiegel

Opposition to the 250th Anniversary Celebration

Tilsen has publicly stated he will not participate in the United States’ 250th birthday celebration, arguing that it glorifies a violent history. He expresses concern about the state of democracy in the U.S., particularly under the Trump administration, and believes the celebration focuses on “false narratives about the past.” Source: Der Spiegel Substack

Recent Legal Developments

In March 2026, prosecutors dropped all charges against Tilsen stemming from a 2022 protest during a visit by then-President Donald Trump to Mount Rushmore. The charges, which included aggravated assault and obstruction of a law enforcement officer, followed a scuffle during a demonstration seeking the return of the Black Hills to Lakota control. The case ended in a mistrial in January 2026 due to a hung jury. Source: DRGNews The NDN Collective had maintained the charges were politically motivated.

Looking Ahead

Nick Tilsen and the NDN Collective continue to advocate for Indigenous rights and the return of the Black Hills. As the U.S. Approaches its 250th anniversary, the debate over its historical legacy and its relationship with Indigenous nations remains a central issue. Source: Der Spiegel