Harney St. in Omaha Nebraska is named after General William Harney. He was a cruel man who is known for committing genocidal acts violence against Native peoples, such as the Harney massacre of Brulé Lakota at Blue Water Creek. He ordered cannons to be fired into caves where women and children were hiding from soldiers. He also killed a young enslaved mother named Hannah by beating her with a rawhide strap for three days for possibly losing some keys. Even in his own time he was referred to as a “monster” by a newspaper and the Lakota called him, “The Butcher” and “Woman Killer.” He was not ashamed of his actions and is quoted saying, “I have come to kill Indians, and believe it is right and honorable to use any means under God’s heaven to kill Indians. Kill and scalp all, big and little; nits make lice.” 

Omaha City Council should re-named Harney St. in honor of Bright Eyes, (formerly Susette LaFlesche Tibbles), an Omaha tribal member of Ponca and Ioway descent. She was a translator for Standing Bear during his trial to prove he was a man which was held in Omaha. She was an important advocate for Native people’s rights. She is in the Nebraska Hall of Fame and the National Women's Hall of Fame. She qualifies under city code (“historical significance locally/nationally” and “efforts to foster equality among citizens” and “does not bring disrepute upon the community”). Gen. Harney’s name on this street violates this code. Given the violence he perpetrated against women and Native peoples, renaming the street in honor of an indigenous woman is called for.

Biography of Bright Eyes

Biography of Harney