Indian Country loses a legend – Earl Old Person, Blackfeet leader

BROWNING, Mont. – On Friday, October 22, 2021, the high school gymnasium at Browning, Montana was filled to capacity as national, state, tribal leaders, Indians from many other Tribes and the Blackfeet Nation joined together to observe the passing of a legendary Montana tribal leader, Earl Old Person. The service also included a military color and honor guard and traditional honoring.

“The Blackfeet People have suffered a huge loss today with the passing of Chief Old Person,” a tribal statement noted. “A chapter in our history has come to a close.”

“Chief Old Person was a fierce advocate for the Blackfeet Nation and all of Indian Country for his entire life, and the world is a better place because he was in it,” Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mt), a long friend to Earl and indeed Indian Country as a whole.

“With the confidence of his people, Chief Old Person put others before himself to serve a greater good. Chief Old Person leaves a lasting legacy with his love for people, unparalleled strength of character, dedication to service, and commitment to preserving cultural heritage. ” Montana Governor Gianforte wrote in a letter of condolence to the Tribe.

Old Person, age 92 made his journey after a long battle with cancer.   He served the Blackfeet Tribe for sixty years, both as the elected Tribal Chairman starting in 1952 and was appointed as the traditional head chief in 1978, a most highly respected position in the Tribe.  During that remarkable career, Earl was also active and extremely well known on the state and national political scenes, serving as President of the National Congress of American Indians and was also President of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, often called upon to share his wisdom with state and national leaders.

“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 life-long work as chairman.  In his later years, Old Person was regarded as the premier tribal historian, developing a small museum in Browning, gladly sharing that with other tribal members, youth and visitors, ever the elder statesman.

“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 legislators 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.”

“Chief Old Person dedicated his life as a tireless advocate, educator, storyteller, and song singer not only for the Blackfeet people, but also for our state and nation,” remarked the Montana Governor Gianforte.

In addition, Earl, a strong proponent of cultural activities, frequently attended pow wows around the country, often asked to speak, in his humble and kind way encouraging people.  This writer recalls an incident involving Earl many years ago.   He had been asked to speak at the annual MSU college pow wow, which he gladly did out of pocket to encourage the Blackfeet and other tribal students. When leading the grand entry, dressed in ceremonial headdress and magnificent beaded buckskin vest, he noticed a little boy, snuggled into his mother’s arms in a front row seat, just wiggling, wanting to dance. Earl went over there and took the little one by the hand, inviting him to dance with him.   That little tyke gladly agreed, hopping and jumping around very enthusiastically at Earl’s side, delighting the audience.

After the grand entry was over, Earl reached into his pocket, pulling out some money.  He shook the little boy’s hand and gave it to him.  “Keep dancing, you’re good at it,” the Chief encouraged.  Thus, Earl Old Person looked to the future which are leaders are supposed to do.

 

(Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com)

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