Gilbert Blue, 1933-2016. Photo from Catawba Indian Nation / Facebook
Gilbert Billy Larson Blue, the legendary former leader of the Catawba Nation of South Carolina, passed away on Saturday. Blue led the tribe for 34 years. His biggest achievement was securing a land claim settlement and federal recognition for his people in 1993. "The tribe will forever owe a debt of gratitude to Chief Gilbert Blue for his leadership," the tribe said in a statement on Facebook. "His loss will be felt throughout the tribe, but his contributions will never be forgotten." Blue will be laid to rest on the reservation on Wednesday. Get the Story:
Former Catawba Indian Chief Gilbert Blue, who 'saved' tribe, dies following illness (The Rock Hill Herald 6/12)
Funeral Wednesday for Gilbert Blue, former Catawba Indian chief (The Rock Hill Herald 6/13)
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