This was known as "running down a westing" if westbound, or easting if eastbound. This was known as "running down a westing" (if westbound, easting otherwise). Wild Westing was a means for the Lakota to preserve their culture and religion. There are several ongoing national projects that celebrate Wild Westers and Wild Westing. There are several on-going national projects that celebrate Wild Westers and Wild Westing. In the late 1890s, Flying Hawk went Wild Westing with Buffalo Bill Cody. Sam Westing was a wealthy businessman who made his fortune in paper products. Since 1887, Wild Westing has been a family tradition with several hundred Pine Ridge families. Wild Westing was an act of passive resistance to oppressive Bureau of Indian Affairs policies. Wild Westing was Chief Red Shirt's main economic support for the next several decades. Wild Westing was very popular with the Lakota people and benefited their families and communities.