James Trosper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Trosper
Eastern Shoshone Sun Dance Chief
Occupation	advocate of tribal rights and traditions
Spouse(s)	Theresa

James Trosper is an important leader for the Eastern Shoshone tribe. He is known as the Sun Dance Chief. Many people see him as a respected voice for traditional Plains Indian spirituality. He also leads the High Plains American Indian Research Institute (HPAIRI). This group helps the University of Wyoming work with tribes on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Their goal is to empower tribes and respect Native cultures.

Mr. Trosper grew up in a Shoshone home. He learned about traditional Shoshone beliefs and ceremonies. His mother is Shoshone and his father was Arapaho.

Since 1993, James Trosper has been the Sun Dance Chief for the Eastern Shoshone tribe. He helps people find spiritual healing. He also promotes traditional ceremonies and a positive way to solve problems. Trosper is very active in the Native American community.

James Trosper's Life and Education

James Trosper studied at the University of Wyoming. He earned a Bachelor's degree there. He also took classes for Master's degrees in Social Work and Counseling. When he was a student, he was a Senator for the university's student government.

Serving the Community

In 2002, the Governor of Wyoming chose Trosper to join the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees. He was chosen again in 2007. He served on this board until 2013.

Trosper worked for the Northern Arapaho Tribe for many years. He was the director of their Department of Family Services for nine years. He also led their Indian Child Welfare department for 14 years.

Leading Research and Education

In 2016, Trosper became the director of the High Plains American Indian Research Institute (HPAIRI). This institute is at the University of Wyoming. He helps connect researchers with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. He makes sure research on tribal lands respects tribal traditions. Trosper helps arrange meetings with tribal elders and leaders. This ensures that research plans are approved by the tribes. He also helps with collecting and sharing information properly.

Trosper is part of the Chief Washakie Memorial Endowment. This group helps Native American students get scholarships. Trosper helped create this endowment. It has given scholarships to many students. The endowment also supports learning about Shoshone and Arapaho history and culture.

Trosper has also served on other important boards. These include the Grand Teton National Park Foundation Board. He was also part of the committee that placed a sculpture of Chief Washakie in the United States Capitol.

The Sun Dance Ceremony

James Trosper is in charge of holding the Eastern Shoshone Sun Dance. This important ceremony happens every August. It takes place on the Wind River Indian Reservation. This special duty has been passed down in his family for seven generations. He also cares for a sacred medicine bundle used in the ceremony.

Passing Down Leadership

Trosper received the Sun Dance leadership from his great-grandfather, John Trehero. Trehero led the ceremony for much of the 20th century. In 1993, a blessing ceremony was held for James Trosper. This ceremony passed the authority for the Sun Dance to him.

Trosper led his first Eastern Shoshone Sun Dance in 1994. He had help from a Crow leader named Tom Yellowtail. Yellowtail had fulfilled a promise to Trehero by helping Trosper. The Sun Dances led by Trehero's descendants continue today. Trosper is also related to Yellow Hand, who started the Sun Dance among the Shoshone people.

Working with the University of Wyoming

Trosper has worked closely with the University of Wyoming. In 2005, he performed a special ceremony. This was for the unveiling of a sculpture of Chief Washakie. The sculptor said Trosper was the "visionary" for this important monument.

Boosting Native American Programs

In 2017, the university president asked Trosper to lead a new committee. This committee's goal was to help more Native American students enroll. It also aimed to expand partnerships with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.

Trosper was also part of the group that opened the new Native American Research Education and Cultural Center. This center in Laramie had been a dream for many years. Trosper serves on several university committees. These committees focus on engagement, Native American affairs, and diversity.

As director of HPAIRI, Trosper oversees important projects. These include creating the first map of indigenous place names in Wyoming. He also leads projects that explore the cultural role of elk for the tribes. HPAIRI works to increase Native American student enrollment. It also helps researchers meet the needs of the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Public Speaking and Advocacy

James Trosper often speaks publicly about tribal issues. He usually shares a positive approach to challenges faced by tribal communities.

Sharing Culture and Healing

Trosper has spoken about Eastern Shoshone spirituality and traditions in many countries. He has discussed new ways of finding healing. He even appeared in a skateboarding film about "Good Medicine." He also uses ceremonies to guide new projects on the reservation.

Trosper believes education is key for community and economic growth. He says it helps tribal communities become self-sufficient. He wants tribes to return to their traditional ways of providing for themselves. He sees partnerships with the University of Wyoming as a way to achieve this.

Speaking Out for Justice

Trosper has spoken about difficult situations. When his nephew passed away, Trosper led ceremonies to support his family. He spoke publicly about the tragedy. He talked about the importance of understanding and respect. He emphasized that the Wind River Indian Reservation is the Shoshone homeland. He said his ancestors worked hard to secure this home forever. He welcomes those who want to learn and respect their ways.

Like his ancestor Chief Washakie, Trosper speaks up when he feels it is right. He has said that the federal government should honor its agreements with tribes. He believes tribes have kept their promises from treaties.