Oliver Red Cloud, longtime Lakota leader passed away last week due to complications from a lung ailment.
Oliver Red Cloud walks on
By Brandon Ecoffey
Native Sun News Managing Editor PINE RIDGE—On July 4 at 4:20 p.m., the Lakota Nation as well as all of Indian country lost a warrior chief, a grandfather, and one of the staunchest defenders of treaty rights that the world has ever known when Oliver Red Cloud began his journey to the spirit world in Denver, CO at the age of 93. A fourth generation direct descendent of Chief Red Cloud, Oliver, served as the traditional chief of the Lakota Nation and chairman of Black Hills Treaty Council. From these two positions Oliver mimicked the words and actions of his grandfather by fighting relentlessly for enforcement and protection of treaty rights that were secured through hard fought victories in military combat and acts of masterful diplomacy by the great Lakota nation prior to the signing of the Fort Laramie treaties in the mid 1800’s. The legacy of Oliver Red Cloud has had a profound impact on the citizens of the Lakota nation as well as the current leadership on the reservation. “His death has galvanized our efforts to continue to fight for our treaty rights. Chief Red Cloud served as a bridge between the Treaty Councils, the Tribal Council, and the President’s Office. He shared his knowledge and wisdom with me and provided me with emotional support and guidance in trying times as our nation strives to improve the life of our people,” said current President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Bryan Brewer. The role that Oliver played in the community reached far beyond tribal government officials however and his death is sure to impact both those on the reservation and non-tribal members. “During Chief Red Cloud’s lifelong years of service, he distinguished himself among the Oyate (people) with his pleasant enthusiastic manner and continuing high-quality performance as a defender of his Oyate and the Treaties. His friends and I remember him with respect and admiration. He will be missed by all,” said OST Councilmen Garfield Steele. “(He) gave his life to protect yours. A leader that deserved every feather he wore on his Wapaha,” added Steele. The family recognized that the influence of Oliver went far beyond blood. His granddaughter Vanessa Red Cloud reflected on this when she said,"Words cannot describe how this man has become a part of everyone's life as a whole.” In an additional statement released from the family they echoed the sentiments expressed by many that he was a supreme leader that carried with him a clout that went unrivaled across the country. “Oliver Red Cloud was the Pine Ridge Agency delegate to and also Chief of Eight Indian Reservations when convened. He was the leading statesman for keeping Peace between Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho people of the Dakota Territory with the United States according to the terms under the Fort Laramie Treaty. Chief Oliver Red Cloud was a powerful orator about obligations each nation had to the other in keeping peace during modern times. As Chief of Eight Reservations, Oliver continually reminded the United States Government that it still shall provide education, health and welfare to his people.” Besides protecting the treaties Red Cloud played a significant role in forcing local officials to adhere to the needs of the people while continuing to educate in his own way about the significance and importance of treaties. Longtime BIA superintendent Bob Ecoffey reflected on his own experiences with Oliver Red Cloud. “For me Grandpa Oliver was the patriarch of the treaties and was the one who continued forward with the legacy of Chief Red Cloud in making sure that all the people understood why we fought for those treaty rights. He taught us how to protect them through his own leadership and instilled in us a passion to protect them that we will pass on to the coming generation. In addition he always made sure that we were on the right path as policy makers. He guided us with a steady, compassionate and loving hand that we will all miss” said Ecoffey. According to the family Oliver succumbed to a lung problem that he had been fighting for some time. The funeral will be held on Saturday, July 13, with the wake to be held on Thursday and Friday at the Pine Ridge High School gym. (Contact Brandon Ecoffey at staffwriter2@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission by Native Sun News
Join the Conversation
