For thousands of years, American Indians have used this prairie to carry out spiritual traditions on ground they believe is sacred. Many people maintain a strong spiritual bond with the land, and each year tribal people from across the country travel long distances to reconnect with it and participate in sacred ceremonies. The place is understood as one where people are obligated to the landscape, responsible for it, and sharing in its spirit; visitors come to make offerings, say prayers, give thanks, and respectfully honor the land as mother earth.