Chairpersons of the Crow Nation facts for kids
The Chairman of the Crow Nation is the main leader of the Crow Nation, a Native American tribe in Montana. Think of them like the president or governor for the Crow people. Every four years, adult members of the Crow Nation vote to choose their chairman.
The current chairman is Frank Whiteclay. The chairman is the top boss of the tribe's government. They lead the "executive branch," which is the part of the government that carries out the laws and manages daily activities. This branch also includes other important roles like the vice-chairman and secretary. In 2001, the Crow Nation changed its constitution to create a government with three separate parts, similar to the United States government.
Contents
What Does the Chairman Do?
The Chairman of the Crow Nation has many important jobs. They are the chief executive officer, meaning they are in charge of making sure the tribe's government runs smoothly. They oversee different tribal offices and departments. Their powers are clearly written down in the Crow Constitution, which is like the rulebook for their government.
A Look at Past Chairmen
Many important leaders have served as Chairman of the Crow Nation over the years. These leaders have helped guide the tribe through different times and challenges. Some well-known chairmen include Clara Nomee, Edison Real Bird, and Robert Yellowtail.
Notable Leaders and Their Contributions
- Robert Yellowtail served for a long time, from 1946 to 1954.
- Edison Real Bird was chairman from 1966 to 1972. During his time, the tribal constitution was updated to help tribal businesses grow.
- Clara Nomee made history as the first woman to be chairman of the Crow Nation. She served for ten years, from 1990 to 2000, making her the longest-serving chairman.
- Carl Venne was elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2008. He passed away while still in office in 2009.
- Cedric Black Eagle was elected in a special election to finish Carl Venne's term.
List of Crow Nation Chairmen
Here is a list of the leaders who have served as Chairman of the Crow Nation. In 2001, the Crow Tribal Council voted to create a government with three separate branches.
| Chairmen of the Crow Tribe; the Government of the Crow Nation In 2001, the Crow Tribal Council by voice vote passed a measure to establish a three branch government. |
||
| The chairman of the Crow Nation | ||
| Name | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ralph Saco | 1920–1921 | |
| James Carpenter | 1921–1927 | |
| William Bends | 1927–1934 | |
| Hartford Bear Claw | 1934–1938 | |
| Charles Yarlott | 1938–1941 | |
| Henry Pretty On Top | 1941–1946 | |
| Robert "Robbie" Yellowtail | 1946–1954 | |
| William Wall | 1954–1956 | |
| Edward "Posie" Whiteman | 1956–1960 | |
| John Cummings | 1960–1964 | |
| John Wilson | 1964–1966 | |
| Edison Real Bird | 1966–1972 | Helped update the tribal constitution to support tribal businesses. |
| David Stewart | 1972–1974 | |
| Patrick Stands Over Bull | 1974–1977 | |
| Forrest Horn | 1977–1982 | |
| Donald Stewart | 1982–1986 | |
| Richard Real Bird | 1986–1990 | |
| Clara Nomee | 1990–2000 | Longest-serving chairman; first woman chairman. |
| Clifford Birdinground | 2000–2002 | |
| Vincent Goes Ahead | 2002 | Acting Chairman |
| Carl Venne | November 11, 2002-February 2009 | Elected to finish a term and then re-elected; passed away in office. |
| Cedric Black Eagle | 2009 – December 3, 2012 | Elected in a special election to finish a term. |
| Darrin Old Coyote | December 3, 2012 - 2016 | Chairman |
| Alvin Not Afraid Jr. | 2016 – 2020 | |
| Frank White Clay | 2020 – | |
