The Indian Memorial at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. Photo by Visions Service Adventures
New leaders promise transparency and nation building
By Clara Caufield
Native Sun News Today Correspondent
nativesunnews.today I was recently informed that I am a tribal elder. In Montana, the average life expectancy of a tribal member is 57 years old, announced Tribal President L.Jace Killsback during his inaugural speech. Meanwhile in America, the 60’s are the new middle age, due to advanced health care. He should know as a former Tribal Health Director and member of the National Indian Health Board. At a little over 57, I join the tribal ranks of those invited to “eat first” at community gathering, the beneficiary of free wood, Thanksgiving turkey baskets, but most important assured about the compassion and concern of our new young leaders. All of that is very much appreciated. Though I still feel pretty spry and self-resilient, it is nice to be acknowledged, including my service to the Tribe years ago. But in this column, I celebrate some of the young leaders who are now serving southeastern Montana Indian Country – young Native men, bright, educated, well spoken, and spiritually grounded and thus inspiring. It makes me think we are currently in good hands. The following young leaders share similar traits: they are all of similar age (late thirties to early forties); all are well educated and excellent speakers, able and willing to articulate a vision for the people; they all understand the importance of collaboration; and finally they are all charismatic and good looking, thus wonderful ambassadors for Native people throughout the country. L. Jace Killsback, newly elected President, Northern Cheyenne Tribe recently gave a very moving speech when sworn into office promising great compassion for the neediest of the Cheyenne people. That is reassuring. He spoke of “nation building,” called for unity and promised an “open” government, promises we have heard before but many of us believe he will follow through. A.J. Not Afraid, new Crow Tribal Chairman also attended the Northern Cheyenne Inauguration offering gracious remarks, standing side by side with Killsback while promising a new day of collaboration between the two Tribes. There are many close connections between the two Tribes such as intermarriage, common grandchildren and of course living side-by-side as neighbors and friends in southeastern Montana where we control many resources. It is extremely encouraging to see that our new leaders are willing to work together.
Read the rest of the story on the Native Sun News Today website: New leaders promise transparency and nation building (Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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