Charles W. Blackwell facts for kids

Charles W. Blackwell (July 30, 1942 – January 2, 2013) was an important leader for the Chickasaw Nation. He was a lawyer, a teacher, an activist, and a diplomat. From 1995 until he passed away in 2013, he served as the first Ambassador of the Chickasaw Nation to the United States.

Being an ambassador means he was like a special representative. Charles Blackwell was the very first ambassador from any Native American tribal government to the U.S. government. Before this, from 1990 to 1995, he worked as a special delegate for the Chickasaw Nation in the U.S. Congress. He also helped with important issues like health, education, and growing the economy for tribal nations.

Biography

His Early Life and Education

Charles Blackwell was born on July 30, 1942, in El Reno, Oklahoma. He grew up in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. He had both Choctaw and Chickasaw family roots.

When he was a boy, Charles spent his summers with his grandparents. They were teachers who worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) at schools on reservations. This time helped him connect deeply with places like Picuris Pueblo in New Mexico. He also spent time at the Loneman School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. There, he learned to speak the Lakota language fluently. He already knew Chickasaw and Choctaw.

In 1964, Charles Blackwell earned a degree in education from East Central University. He was even named "Student of the Year." He was the editor of the college newspaper. After college, he taught English at a high school in Arizona.

Later, in 1972, he earned a law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law. He then worked as a lawyer at the American Indian Law Center. He also helped lead a special scholarship program for American Indians who wanted to study law. For a few years, he was also an assistant dean and a professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

In 1979, Charles Blackwell started a group called Native Affairs and Development Group. In 1985, he moved to Washington, D.C.

Serving as Delegate and Ambassador (1990-2013)

In 1990, the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, Bill Anoatubby, chose Charles Blackwell to be a delegate to the U.S. Congress. This was a special position where he could represent the Chickasaw Nation.

In 1995, Governor Anoatubby appointed Blackwell as the Chickasaw Nation's first Ambassador to the United States. This was a very important step. It showed that the Chickasaw Nation wanted to have strong, formal relationships with other governments, just like countries do.

Governor Anoatubby said that Charles Blackwell did an amazing job. He helped the relationship between the Chickasaw Nation and the U.S. government grow stronger.

As Ambassador, Charles Blackwell worked hard for Native American communities. He spoke up for better education, health care, and economic opportunities. He also started the First American Business Center in Washington D.C. This center helps Native American businesses grow. He also wrote articles for the Chickasaw Times newspaper.

From 1997 to 2001, U.S. President Bill Clinton appointed Charles Blackwell to a special council on HIV/AIDS. He was the only Native American member on this council.

Death

Charles Blackwell passed away in Washington D.C. on January 2, 2013. He was 70 years old.

Governor Bill Anoatubby shared a statement praising Charles Blackwell. He said that Blackwell was a wonderful diplomat and statesman. He brought great wisdom, honesty, knowledge, and passion to his work. Governor Anoatubby called him an "irreplaceable friend and unrivaled advocate" for the Chickasaw Nation.

A special memorial service was held for him at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington. This was a great honor, as he was the first tribal leader to be recognized in this way. Other memorial services were also held in Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Honors and Awards

• In 2007, the United States Department of Commerce awarded Charles Blackwell the National Director's Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement.
• In 2006, he received a Special Act Award from the Secretary of the Department of Energy.