Meaning: The quote "We have been travelling through a cloud. The sky has been dark ever since the war began" is attributed to Black Kettle, a prominent leader of the Southern Cheyenne tribe during the mid-19th century. This poignant statement encapsulates the profound impact of war and conflict on indigenous peoples, particularly during the turbulent period of westward expansion in the United States.

Black Kettle's words reflect the pervasive sense of displacement, suffering, and uncertainty experienced by Native American communities in the aftermath of the American Civil War and the subsequent conflicts between indigenous tribes and the U.S. government. The metaphor of "travelling through a cloud" evokes a powerful image of traversing through a nebulous, obscured reality, where the darkness of war has enveloped the sky, shrouding the path forward in uncertainty and adversity.

Black Kettle himself was a prominent figure in the tumultuous history of Native American relations with the United States government. He was known for his efforts to seek peace and diplomacy amid the escalating conflicts between indigenous tribes and encroaching settlers. In particular, he advocated for a non-violent approach and sought to negotiate treaties to secure the rights and lands of his people.

However, Black Kettle's peaceful overtures were met with tragic outcomes. In 1864, during the height of the American Civil War, a brutal event known as the Sand Creek Massacre unfolded in Colorado. Despite flying the American flag and a white flag of truce, Black Kettle's encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho people was mercilessly attacked by Colorado Territory militia forces, resulting in the massacre of hundreds of Native men, women, and children.

This horrific event, along with subsequent conflicts and displacements, deeply impacted Black Kettle and his people, leading to the profound sentiment expressed in the quote. The "cloud" that Black Kettle refers to represents not only the physical and psychological devastation wrought by war but also the enduring legacy of suffering and injustice faced by Native American communities.

The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring resilience and struggles of indigenous peoples in the face of historical trauma and ongoing challenges. It also underscores the profound impact of war and conflict on marginalized communities, urging reflection on the long-term consequences of violence and displacement.

In the context of contemporary discourse, Black Kettle's words resonate with ongoing efforts to address the historical injustices and systemic inequalities faced by Native American communities. The quote serves as a call to acknowledge and reckon with the enduring effects of past conflicts and to work towards healing, reconciliation, and justice for indigenous peoples.

Overall, Black Kettle's quote encapsulates the enduring significance of history and the profound impact of war and conflict on indigenous communities. It stands as a poignant testament to the resilience, suffering, and enduring spirit of Native American peoples in the face of adversity and injustice.