Chase Iron Eyes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chase Iron Eyes
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Chase Iron Eyes speaks in 2017
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| Born |
Chase A. Iron Eyes
March 6, 1978 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 2011–present |
| Organization | Lakota People's Law Project |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse(s) | Sara Jumping Eagle |
| Children | 3, including Tokata Iron Eyes |
Chase Iron Eyes (born March 6, 1978) is a Native American activist, lawyer, and politician. He is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. He works with the Lakota People's Law Project. He also helped start a Native American news website called Last Real Indians. In 2016, he ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives for North Dakota. He did not win the election.
Contents
Becoming a Lawyer and Activist
His Education Journey
Chase Iron Eyes studied at the University of North Dakota. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and Native American studies. Later, in 2007, he graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. There, he earned a law degree, focusing on Federal Indian law. While in law school, he was the president of the Native American Law Student Association.
Working as a Lawyer
Mr. Iron Eyes is allowed to practice law in South Dakota. He can also work in federal courts in both North Dakota and South Dakota. He also works in several tribal court systems. He uses his legal skills to help protect the rights of Native American people.
Fighting for Native American Rights
Protecting Children and Communities
Chase Iron Eyes has worked as a lawyer for the Lakota People's Law Project (LPLP). This group started in 2005. Its main goal is to help keep Lakota children with their families. They work to stop children from being unfairly removed from their homes. In 2016, Iron Eyes and others from LPLP joined protests. They stood with people against the Dakota Access pipeline near Standing Rock.
Saving Sacred Places
Iron Eyes also works hard to protect sacred sites. He helped bring attention to Pe' Sla. This is a high mountain prairie in the Black Hills. It is a very important place for the Lakota people's beliefs. It is where they hold ceremonies and gatherings. The famous Lakota visionary Black Elk also had his vision there. Another sacred site he has highlighted is Bear Butte.
Community Leadership
He is also part of the Bush Foundation's Native Nation Rebuilders program. This program helps tribal leaders develop new ways to govern their communities. He continues to speak out against drilling for oil wells in these important areas.
Running for Office
In 2016, Chase Iron Eyes decided to run for Congress. He ran as a member of the Democratic Party. He wanted to represent North Dakota's at-large congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. He told Prairie Public Radio that he felt it was necessary to run. He believed the government was not working well. He felt responsible to try and fix it for North Dakota.
His Life and Family
Chase Iron Eyes grew up on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. He is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. He is married to Sara Jumping Eagle. They have three children, including Tokata Iron Eyes.
Films and Media
Chase Iron Eyes has appeared in a film.
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 2014 | Mitakeoyashin | Himself | Documentary |
Election Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic-NPL | Chase Iron Eyes | 17,063 | 99.7 | |
| Democratic-NPL | Write-ins | 59 | 0.3 | |
| Total votes | 17,122 | 100.0 | ||
| 2016 North Dakota at-large congressional district election | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
| Republican | Kevin Cramer (incumbent) | 233,980 | 69.13% | +13.59% | |
| Democratic-NPL | Chase Iron Eyes | 80,377 | 23.75% | -14.73% | |
| Libertarian | Jack Seaman | 23,528 | 6.95% | +1.11% | |
| N/A | Write-ins | 574 | 0.17% | +0.02% | |
| Total votes | 338,459 | 100.0% | N/A | ||
| Republican hold | |||||
