‘Spirit of the Lakota’

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Descendants of the Lakota warrior Eagle Elk shared stories of his bravery and hunting prowess, but family worried his legacy would be forgotten. Airbus Helicopters Inc. commissioned a painting of Eagle Elk - “The Spirit of the Lakota” - to capture the spirit of its UH-72A Lakota helicopters and the heritage of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe for which it is named. “We always told ourselves his time would come, and now it has. I believe he is with us in spirit,” Robert Eagle Elk, the warrior’s grandson, said at a recent unveiling of the artwork here at AHI headquarters. “The artwork was created by Dallas artist David Gail Smith. The piece features a towering image of the Lakota warrior as well as the Lakota Army helicopter in flight. The painting portrays Eagle Elk as being part of the open sky and mountains, watching over Earth. AHI leadership consulted with the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribal Council to ensure the painting was culturally accurate and respectful. Family members offered a Native American prayer, sang a song about Lakota life and presented Smith and AHI executives with tribal flags. (Source: AHI 12/07/16) Gulf Coast Note: The UH-72A Lakota is a multi-mission helicopter that was selected by the Army in June 2006. AHI’s manufacturing and production facility is in Columbus, Miss.