Terrence “Terry” Tibbetts, the chairman of the
White Earth Nation, passed away on Sunday after a lengthy illness. He was 60 years old.
Tibbetts's Ojibwe name was Nii-Gah-Nii-Mosay, meaning "Walks First." He worked for the tribe for 35 years in various capacities before being elected chairman in 2016,
according to a statement from the reservation business committee.
Tibbetts will be laid to rest on the reservation in Minnesota on Friday,
according to an obituary. A wake service takes place on Thursday.
"In honor and remembrance of our Chairman Terry Tibbetts, the White Earth Tribal Offices will be closing at 12:00 pm (noon) on Thursday, March 21st and will remain closed through Friday, March 22," a
post on social media stated. "Offices will re-open on Monday, March 25th at 8:00 am."
The Minnesota House of Representatives observed a moment of silence in honor of Tibbetts on Monday,
another post read.
Vice Chairman Eugene “Umsy” Tibbetts will serve as acting chair until further notice. He is a distant relative of the late chairman, Minnesota Public Radio reported.
Read More on the Story
White Earth tribal chair Terry Tibbetts dies at 60
(The Minneapolis Star Tribune March 18, 2019)
White Earth tribal chair Tibbetts dies after lengthy illness
(Minnesota Public Radio March 18, 2019)
White Earth tribal chairman dies at 60
(Forum News Service March 18, 2019)
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