John Yellow Bird Steele facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Yellow Bird Steele
President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe
In office December 2014 – December 2016
Preceded by	Bryan Brewer
Succeeded by	Troy "Scott" Weston
In office 2010–2012
Preceded by	Theresa Two Bulls
Succeeded by	Bryan Brewer
In office 2006–2008
Preceded by	Alex White Plume
Succeeded by	Theresa Two Bulls
In office 2000–2004
Preceded by	Harold Dean Salway
Succeeded by	Cecilia Fire Thunder
In office 1996–1998
Preceded by	Wilber Between Lodges
Succeeded by	Harold Dean Salway
In office 1992–1994
Preceded by	Harold Dean Salway
Succeeded by	Wilber Between Lodges
Vice-President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe
In office 1982–1986
Tribal Council Representative from the Wounded Knee District
In office 1978–1982
Personal details
Born	(1945-11-03) November 3, 1945 (age 79) Rockyford, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Political party	Independent
Spouse	Anna Little Dog

John Yellow Bird Steele is an important leader from the United States. He served as the President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe for many years, helping to lead his community. Many people consider him one of the most successful leaders from the Pine Ridge area during a special time for Native American tribes.

His Work as President

From 1992 to 2016, John Yellow Bird Steele was elected president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe seven times. Each term lasted two years. Before becoming president, he was the vice-president for two terms. He also worked as a representative for his tribal council. He also helped the Black Hills Treaty Council.

How He Was Elected

Even though Steele served seven terms, which is a record, he only won re-election once in 2002. Often, he would lose an election, but then win against the person who replaced him in the next election.

Steele first became president in 1992. He took over from Harold Dean Salway. His first term ended in 1994, and Wilber Between Lodges became president.

Steele became president again in 1996, taking over from Between Lodges. Then, Harold Dean Salway became president in 1998.

In 2000, Steele won the presidency back from Salway. He won re-election in 2002. Cecilia Fire Thunder became president after him in 2004.

In 2006, he became president after Alex White Plume. White Plume had become president after Fire Thunder. By doing this, Steele broke the record for most terms in office. Theresa Two Bulls became president in 2008. Steele then defeated her in 2010. His sixth term ended in 2012 when he lost to Bryan Brewer.

Finally, he won the election in 2014, defeating Bryan Brewer. His last term ended in November 2016 when Troy "Scott" Weston defeated him.

In 2020, Steele ran for president for an eighth time. He ran against Weston and Julian Bear Runner, but he did not win.

Helping His Community

Steele is known for working hard to get the United States government to help his tribe. He spoke to the Congress many times. He talked about tribal sovereignty, which means tribes have the right to govern themselves. He also reminded the U.S. government about its promises from old treaties. He also asked them to honor Lakota code talkers with special medals.

Economic Plans

In 1989, Oglala Lakota County had the highest rate of poverty in the United States. When Steele became president in 1992, he believed that businesses could help. He worked to open casinos to create jobs and reduce poverty. The Prairie Winds Casino opened during his first term. He later helped it become a much larger place during his fifth term.

Health Support

In February 2015, many young people on the reservation were struggling. Steele declared an emergency to get help. He successfully got the Indian Health Service to send more counselors. Steele shared his frustration, saying he wanted a better understanding of the situation.

After Russell Means passed away from cancer, Steele also said he wanted to fight cancer in Native American communities. He planned to host a meeting about cancer treatments and ways to prevent the disease.

His Family Life

John Yellow Bird Steele is married to Anna Little Dog. She is from the Manderson District. They have nine children and 23 grandchildren.