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Blackfeet Nation mourns passing of longtime Chief Earl Old Person
Monday, October 18, 2021
Indianz.Com
The Blackfeet Nation is mourning the loss of Earl Old Person, the tribe’s longtime chief and former chairman.
Old Person passed away last Wednesday after a long battle with cancer, the tribe said. He was 92 years old.
“The Blackfeet People have suffered a huge loss today with the passing of Chief Old Person,” the tribe said in a statement. “A chapter in our history has come to a close. The Blackfeet Tribe offers prayers and support to the family of Earl at this time.”
Old Person joined the tribal council in 1952. He served for over 60 years, including more than 50 years as chairman.
“During this time, Earl met many dignitaries including every U.S. President since Dwight Eisenhower, the British Royal Family, the Shah of Iran, and other world leaders,” the tribe said.
Old Person continued his service to the tribe following his stint as chairman. He was bestowed the title of chief, a hereditary position, in 1978. “We recognize that with Chief Old Person’s passing, an era has come to an end in Blackfeet and Montana Indian history,” the Montana American Indian Caucus, consisting of state lawmakers in Montana, said in a letter to the Blackfeet Nation on Friday. “His legacy will live on for generations in the collective memory of Montana and the country,” the lawmakers said. In addition to leading his tribe, Old Person was known as a strong advocate for Indian Country. He served two terms as president of the National Congress of American Indians and was president of the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians."HIs legacy will live on for generations in the collective memor of Montana and the country": Montana American Indian Caucus statement on passing of Earl Old Person, Blackfeet Nation chief & longtime former chair.
— indianz.com (@indianz) October 15, 2021
Old Person passed on at the age of 92. #EarlOldPerson #Obituaries pic.twitter.com/cuNCD5E4bX
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