PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) – The Oglala Sioux Tribe president says protests that occurred when three helicopters tried to land at the Wounded Knee massacre site on Saturday were the result of miscommunication.

Theresa Two Bulls on Monday apologized for the mix-up. She says the helicopters were bearing members of the Colorado National Guard who were coming for an educational presentation by local historians.

An estimated 300 American Indians were killed by the U.S. Cavalry in the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre.

Some tribal members became upset Saturday when the helicopters tried to land, saying the site is sacred.

The protesters did not know why the helicopters were there. Two Bulls says the miscommunication sparked rumors on the reservation, including rumors of weapons of mass destruction. But she says the Guard had permission to be there.