Gregory Smoak

Professor Gregory Smoak, a history expert on Native American religion, dives into the captivating world of the Ghost Dance. He outlines its origins and Wovoka's vision of peace and renewal amidst 19th-century assimilation policies. Smoak sheds light on the misunderstood symbolism of ghost shirts and public misconceptions, as well as the explosive military response that culminated in the Wounded Knee massacre. He emphasizes the enduring legacy of the Ghost Dance, showing how its influence resonates in contemporary Native traditions.