Northern Cheyenne Tribal President, Gene Small consults with tribal elders

LAME DEER, MT – On July 3rd, Northern Cheyenne Tribal President Gene Small made local tribal history. During the hectic annual 4th of July Celebration at Northern Cheyenne he devoted about two hours to addressing consulting with tribal elders. Specifically, he spoke to a group of about 80 elders who reside on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, the key speaker at the 1st 4th of July Elders Meal sponsored by the Northern Cheyenne Elderly Commission.

“I’ve been wanting to ask the Elders for help,” he remarked, “but this is the first time so many have come together at the same time and place. We need more activities like this. I’m glad the Elderly Commission plans to do that.”

Small was characteristically humble in demeanor saying, “I’m very honored to have the chance to update you on the tough situation of the Tribe; what I’ve been doing; and to ask for your help and guidance.” He joked, “I’m an elder too, just didn’t know it yet! Just turned 55 (tribal age definition of elder). But, I don’t know all the answers.”

Small campaigned on the theme of “Becoming more Self Sufficient” and spoke about the critical need to work towards that goal during the Trump Administration. “Hard times are coming for a lot of our people who are dependent upon federal assistance,” he said. “But, in the long run maybe some good things can come of this if we can get back to more taking care of ourselves.”

He was also philosophical. “Sweet Medicine (Northern Cheyenne Prophet) said that when we took up the ways of the Whiteman, we would lose our way. Sometimes, I think we are about there.”

He spoke for about an hour sharing information with the elders about the current impacts of cuts under the Trump Administration, one example being the looming elimination of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, federal funds which are channeled to the Tribe through the State. “A lot of people are going to be hurting and we have to come up with some solutions.”

Law Enforcement, a focus of his Administration continues to be in an emergency situation at Northern Cheyenne. Improving that is one of his top priorities, “The Chief of Police, whom most of you never met, just told me he is transferring. That will leave us with one Police officer for the whole Reservation. The Lame Deer Jail is condemned so our people are shipped off to Oklahoma and often have to wait for a month or more for a bus ride home, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” he reported.

There is some hope. Under his administration, The Rosebud Lodge, shelter for children in need of urgent care will soon reopen after major repairs. The Busby Youth Detention Center, closed for some time will also soon be back in business. Small said that he has also been working with the BIA and Office of Justice to get a new jail in Lame Deer. “That is going forward,” he said, “and I suppose they will be sending inmates from Crow over here because they are in the same boat.”

The President also spoke about working with other Tribes and organizations to address the budget cuts and changes in law which affect tribes. “There are a lot of good people in Indian Country working on these problems,” he said specifically mentioned Oglala Sioux Tribal leadership, He also noted the need to work with both Republicans and Democrats. “Congressman Daines, (R) for example arranged for me to testify at the Senate Appropriations hearing, one of fifteen tribal leaders to have that chance. We’ve always been Democrats, but the Republicans are calling the shots now.”

In conclusion, Small noted that the Tribal Council needs to work together, rather than squabbling and commended the Northern Cheyenne Elderly Commission, appointed by his office and confirmed by the Tribal Council for encouraging more teamwork. “Ninety million dollars went through this Reservation in COVID-related funding in the past five years. What do we have to show for it? The Council needs to tell the people. We as tribal leaders need to hear from you. You guys have been there and done that. You are the survivors, the rock of our Tribe.”

“We don’t ever remember a Tribal President doing something like this,” remarked Julie Elkshoulder, Busby District. “It’s really good to hear first-hand what is going on and being asked for our opinion.” Several other elders concurred.

“We usually just see them at election time when they want our family vote,” added Diana McClean.

Approximately 350 tribal members are elderly, according to tribal enrollment. However, many are faced with mobility or transportation challenges. “We are going to reach out to them as well,” commented Hugh Clubfoot, Commission member. “We represent all of the elders on the Reservation.”

The Elderly Commission is charged with making recommendations and providing advice to the Tribal President and Council on elderly needs in four primary areas: safe housing; nutrition; social and spiritual. Under its charter, the Commission is to make a monthly report to the Tribal Council regarding such matters, a practice which fell by the wayside in recent years.

“I am confident that the voices of the elders will be heard under this Administration,” said Linwood Tallbull, Commission Vice-Chairman. “Even if we have to demand it.”

(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennereview@gmail.com)

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