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Donald Laverdure facts for kids

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Donald Laverdure
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 worked for the United States government in a special department called the Department of the Interior. There, he helped lead the office that works with Native American tribes. This office oversees groups like the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education. These groups help manage lands and schools for Native American communities. Before this, he was a law professor and a judge for Native American tribes.

Who is Donald Laverdure?

Donald "Del" Laverdure is a member of the Crow Tribe of Montana. He also has family ties to 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 Crow, and his father was Ojibwe. Both of his parents spoke the Crow language very well.

Donald Laverdure's Career

Donald Laverdure has shared his knowledge with important groups. He spoke to the Parliament of Canada about how Native American groups can govern themselves. He also spoke to the Crow Tribal Legislature. There, he discussed important topics like water rights and taxes.

Before working at Michigan State University, Laverdure led a center at the University of Wisconsin Law School. This center focused on Native American law. He also served as the Chief Justice for the Crow Tribe Court of Appeals. This means he was the main judge for the Crow Tribe.

Leading Indian Affairs

On April 27, 2012, Donald Laverdure took on a big role. He became the Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. In this job, he was in charge of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He also oversaw the Bureau of Indian Education. These groups help manage services and programs for Native American tribes.

Laverdure held this important position for about five months. He worked to improve things for Native American communities. One of his major achievements was helping to create new rules for leasing land. These new rules made it easier for tribes to make decisions about their land. They also helped protect tribal businesses from certain state taxes.

In September 2012, Kevin K. Washburn was chosen to take over the role. President Barack Obama nominated him, and the U.S. Senate approved him. Washburn officially started in early October 2012.

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