Donald Laverdure facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Laverdure
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|---|---|
| Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs | |
| In office April 27, 2012 – October 9, 2012 |
|
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Larry Echo Hawk |
| Succeeded by | Kevin K. Washburn |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Donald E. Laverdure
Crow Agency, Montana |
| Nationality | American, Crow Tribe of Montana |
| Alma mater | University of Arizona (B.S.) University of Wisconsin (J.D.) |
| Profession | attorney |
Donald "Del" Laverdure is an important leader from the Crow Tribe of Montana and the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians. He has worked hard to help Native American communities. He served as a top official in the United States government. This role involved overseeing important groups like the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He also worked as a law professor and a judge for Native American tribes.
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Who is Donald Laverdure?
Donald "Del" Laverdure is a member of the Crow Tribe of Montana. He is also a direct descendant of the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians. He was born in Crow Agency, Montana. He grew up on the Crow Indian Reservation. His mother was full-blood Crow. His father was Ojibwe. Both of his parents spoke the Crow language very well.
Donald Laverdure's Career
Donald Laverdure has had a long and impactful career. He has worked as a lawyer, a judge, and a government official. He has always focused on helping Native American communities.
Early Legal Work
Before working for the government, Laverdure was a law professor. He taught at Michigan State University College of Law. He also directed their American Indian Law Program. He has shared his knowledge with lawmakers in other countries. For example, he spoke to the Parliament of Canada. He discussed laws about self-governance for Indigenous peoples. He also advised the Crow Tribal Legislature. He helped them with laws about water rights and taxes.
Laverdure also served as a judge. He was the Chief Justice of the Crow Tribe Court of Appeals. He also served as an Appellate Judge for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
Working for the U.S. Government
In 2012, Donald Laverdure took on a very important role. He became the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. This meant he was in charge of several key offices. These included the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This bureau helps manage land and resources for Native American tribes. He also oversaw the Bureau of Indian Education. This office supports schools for Native American students.
Laverdure served in this role for about five months. He helped guide new rules for leasing land. These rules made it easier for tribes to make decisions. They also helped protect tribal businesses from certain taxes. His work helped Native American tribes have more control over their lands.
