L. Jace Killsback, Northern Cheyenne President, and Conrad Fisher, Northern Cheyenne Vice-President stand during a Flag Song and Color Guard Presentation. Photo courtesy Eugene Little Coyote
Unity theme of Northern Cheyenne inauguration
Killsback sworn in as new Tribal President
By Clara Caufield
Native Sun News Today Correspondent
nativesunnews.today LAME DEER, MONT –– With much pageantry and oratory, L. Jace Killsback, President, Conrad Fisher, Vice-President, newly elected tribal council members and tribal judges were officially sworn into office on Tuesday, Nov. 22, marking the beginning of a new four-year tribal administration for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. The event, originally scheduled for an earlier date was postponed of respect for the funeral services of a tribal member. “It is our custom not to conduct official tribal business while a Cheyenne family is mourning,” Killsback explained to the crowd, which filled the large hall to capacity, standing room only. The events began with an Inaugural Parade leading from the Tribal office to the Charging Horse Casino led by Parade Marshall, outgoing Tribal President, Llevando “Cowboy” Fisher, a number of floats, including tribal programs and local schools. The new officials walked in the procession, greeted by loud cheering from the crowds lining the route. Conrad Fisher, Vice-President, later noted that was a gesture saying “We are not above the people.” As dictated by Cheyenne tradition, the events began with an honor song, presentation of the colors by the Northern Cheyenne Veterans Color Guard and grand entry. A small number of women in traditional garb followed the color guard. Announcer Sheldon King, incumbent Busby District Council member then reminded the audience they represented all the women of the Tribe – the “backbone” of our nation. Tom Rockroads Jr. the Kitfox Military Society Headsman, highly decorated Vietnam Veteran was the first speaker, also offering the invocation. In part, he said. “We are at the tail-end of living the old ways,” he said. “It is our ceremonies, the Sun Dance and Arrows that have protected us. At one time we were almost annihilated. It’s good for young leaders to listen. Now, that will be important with Trump. Don’t ever bow down and don’t run away from a battle. Try for patience and a good temper to care for those that can’t care for themselves.” Representatives from both Senator Daines's and Tester’s offices also attended reading letters of congratulation and offering to continue a working relationship with the Tribe from those offices. Following the official swearing in by tribal judge Ronnie Rae Brady, President Kills-night (Cheyenne name of Screeching Eagle) spoke powerfully, elaborating on his campaign theme “We are a Nation,” having to pause several times to acknowledge strong approbation and applause from the crowd which filled the large tribal bingo hall to capacity, bringing tears to the eyes of many.
Find more news on the Native Sun News Today website: Unity theme of Northern Cheyenne inauguration (Clara Caufield can be reached @ acheyennevoice.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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