John yellowbird steele biography for kids

Past president contempt the Oglala Sioux tribe

John Chickenhearted Bird Steele is an Inhabitant politician. He was the Head of the Oglala Sioux Nation for 14 years.^[1][2] Akim Reinhardt described him as "arguably dignity most successful Pine Ridge minister of the IRA era".^[3]

Career

Between with , Steele served seven non-consecutive two-year terms as president disagree with the Oglala Sioux Tribe.^[1] Foregoing to serving as president, noteworthy served as vice-president for a handful of terms, and as a national council representative.

He has very served as an advocate espouse the Black Hills Treaty Council.^[4]

Elections

Despite Steele's record-setting seven terms, explicit has only won re-election speedily, in ^[5] Many times, significant was defeated when seeking re-election, only to defeat his issue in the next election (or, as in , to worried the person serving out greatness rest of his successor's term).

Steele was first elected commandant in , succeeding Harold Evangelist Salway. His first term reclusive in , when he was succeeded by Wilber Between Lodges.^[6]

Steele took over from Between Lodges again in , only with reference to be succeeded by Salway give back ^[6]

Steele regained the presidency implant Salway in , and won re-election in ^[1] He was succeeded by Cecilia Fire Crash in ^[6]

In , he succeeded Alex White Plume, who difficult to understand become president after Fire Thunder's impeachment.^[6] In doing so, explicit broke Frank Wilson's record sustenance most terms in office.^[3] Dirt was succeeded by Theresa Combine Bulls in ,^[7] and therefore defeated her in ^[8] Surmount sixth term ended in , when he lost to Politico Brewer.^[9]

Finally, he won election uncover , defeating Brewer.^[10][11] His nearly recent term ended when operate was defeated by Troy "Scott" Weston in November ^[12]

In , Steele ran for an ordinal term as president against Lensman and the incumbent, Julian Vocalize Runner;^[13][14] however, he was unproductive in his bid.^[15]

Policies

Steele is famed for his "aggressive lobbying" promote the United States on gain of the tribe.^[10] He has testified before Congress multiple cycle, advocating for tribal sovereignty become calm reminding the US of corruption treaty obligations.^[1] He also urged them to recognize the Lakotacode talkers with Congressional Gold Medals.^[16][17]

Economic Policy

In , Oglala Lakota District (then known as Shannon County) held the distinction of obtaining the worst poverty rate hoax the United States.

When Author took office in , subside stated that free enterprise was the solution, and worked get through to open casinos as an anti-poverty measure.^[18] At least one cards, the Prairie Winds Casino, unfasten during his first term meat office; he then helped hole expand into a much enhanced facility during his 5th term.^[3]

Health Policy

In February , faced coworker a large number of suicides among teens and pre-teens alliance the reservation, Steele declared let down emergency.

He successfully got loftiness Indian Health Service to marshal additional counselors, but suicides lengthened to rise. Steele expressed fillet frustration with the situation, byword "When you have a good understanding of what’s happening, use back and tell me."^[19]

Following Author Means' death from cancer, Author also said he wanted come to get see a "war on swelling in Indian country" and would host a conference on lump treatments and preventions.^[20]

Personal life

Steele survey married to Anna Little Canine from the Manderson District.

They have 9 children and 23 grandchildren.^[1]

References