The executive branch of the Crow Tribe issued a statement on September 8, 2024, calling comments made by Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy "disparaging and degrading" and discriminatory towards Native people.
The statement was signed by Frank Whiteclay, chairman of the Crow Tribe. In it, he addresses Sheehy's comments that repeatedly linked the Crow people to alcohol use, as first reported by Char-Koosta News.
"Sheehy's statements surrounding Native Americans are highly unprofessional," the statement reads. "The comments Sheehy made publicly about, 'Drunk Indians at 8 am,' reflects a discriminatory and racially prejudice belief towards all Native Americans."
"The Apsáalooke Nation has never had beer cans flying at anyone's heads during our cultural celebrations," Whiteclay added, in reference to Sheehy's repeated claims of having beer cans thrown at him while on the Crow Reservation in Montana.
Whiteclay also corrects two claims Sheehy has made on the campaign trail. The statement notes that Turk Stovall, who Sheehy has claimed as a close personal and professional connection, is "not an enrolled Crow Tribe member."
In one of his campaign appearances, Sheehy had claimed that his "ranching partner and one of my really good friends is Turk Stovall. He's a Crow Indian."
Sheehy had further claimed that he and Stovall "ranch together on the Crow Reservation."
But the tribal statement confirms that Sheehy "does not lease Crow Tribal Land."
The statement appears on "Executive Branch of the Apsáalooke Nation" letterhead. The names of Chairman Whiteclay, along with Vice Chairman Lawrence DeCrane, Secretary Levi Black Eagle and Vice Secretary Channis Whiteman also appear on the statement.
In sharing the statement on his personal social media, Whiteclay wrote: "I held off on issuing an official public statement, until I had all the facts and information surrounding Tim Sheehy's comments."
The full text from the statement follows.
Montana Republican US Senate candidate, Tim Sheehy has made very disparaging and degrading remarks about his time with Turk Stovall and "Crow Indians." Turk Stovall is not an enrolled Crow Tribal member. Tim Sheehy does not lease Crow Tribal Land. As a candidate seeking office in the United States Senate, Sheehy's statements surrounding Native Americans are highly unprofessional. The comments Sheehy made publicly about, "Drunk Indians at 8 am," reflects a discriminatory and racially prejudice belief towards all Native Americans. Racial biasness and marginalization are issues that have plagued Native Americans for generations. The Crow Tribe of Indians does not condone nor support this type of racial sediment. Furthermore, Sheehy also states, "Riding in the Crow Parade, they'll let you know if they like you or not if Coors Light cans are flying by your head." The Apsáalooke Nation has never had beer cans flying at anyone's heads during our cultural celebrations.Montana is a state, immensely rich in Native American culture and heritage. Our state has Tens of thousands of proud and honorable Indigenous peoples. We celebrate our heritage through numerous diverse cultural and religious customs. The Crow Fair Powwow is an event in which the Great Crow Nation honors Apsáalooke culture and tradition. The annual parade, which takes place during Crow Fair commemorates the Apsáalooke New Year. Crow Fair is a time to celebrate the Crow way of life and a time to give thanks with prayers and blessings for the coming year.Montana Republican Senate candidate, Tim Sheehy's statements demonstrate ignorance and lack of understanding of Indigenous peoples. Tim is out of touch with Indian Country and out of touch with Montana Tribes. Native Americans make up over 7% of the state's population and represent one of the largest ethnicities serving in the United States Armed Forces per capita. Tim Sheehy's, racial remarks about the Crow Tribe and Indian country are deeply troubling and unacceptable. Such statements not only disrespect the rich history and culture of the Apsáalooke Nation, but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and divisions. It is crucial for public figures to promote unity and respect for all communities, and such remarks undermine that goal.
