Opinion: Activist devoted life to Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes

Archie Hoffman’s dreams for Oklahoma’s Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes are slowly coming true. As the late activist’s hopes are shaping public policy both in “Indian Country” and the rest of America, his patience might serve as a model for relations between sovereign tribes and state and federal governments.

This month, C&A Gov. Janice Prairie-Chief Boswell inked agreements with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, historic accords in which each side gave something up. Hoffman, who died last year, would have approved. A dreamer and a doer, Archie understood, ”You don’t get something for nothing. Not in this world.”

A military veteran, Archie served an overseas tour before his honorable discharge. With practical skills learned as an Air Force mechanic, he made his way in the broader Oklahoma culture while retaining love for the old ways, including service as a representative for the Native American Church. Weeks before his death a year ago, he appeared before a federal commission, confident that one day the Cheyenne & Arapaho people would gain justice from America.

Archie was a legend for many deeds, but his people — and non-tribal admirers — remember him for the pressure on Clinton. It must be noted that the courts have never ruled directly on the merits of that Cheyenne & Arapaho land claim, yet Boswell and her allies believe Archie’s patience and methodical pressure are a model that will endure.