Red Lake Nation mourns passing of hereditary chief Billy King

Tuesday, August 28, 2018  

Flags are flying at half-staff on the Red Lake Nation in honor of George “Billy” King, a hereditary chief who has passed on.

King was one of the seven hereditary leaders of the tribe, based in northern Minnesota. He was a descendant of Chief May-dwa-gwa-no-nind, who signed the Red Lake Treaty of 1864 and had resisted the allotment of tribal lands.

"Our sincere condolences to Billy's family, as they're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the tribal council said in a statement on Tuesday.

King briefly served as chairman of the tribe, following the death of his brother, Gerald "Butch" Brun, at the time. He was appointed in May 2003 and held the post until the election of Floyd "Buck" Jourdain Jr. in May 2004.

King was a regular fixture in tribal affairs. He often administered the oath of office to elected officials.