There is a dimension of the Black Hills dispute that becomes clearer when you look at the specific language of the Fort Laramie Treaty and compare it to what actually happened.

The treaty promised “absolute and undisturbed use and occupation.” Those are not vague words.

“Absolute” means without exception, without qualification, without the reservation of other parties’ rights to enter or use the land.

“Undisturbed” means without interference, without intrusion, without the kind of disturbance that mining expeditions and gold rushes produce.

The treaty’s Article 12 required three-fourths of adult male Sioux to approve any cession.

This was not a suggestion or a procedural guideline.