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 American politician and a respected leader. He served as the President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe for a total of 14 years. Many people consider him one of the most successful leaders from the Pine Ridge area during the time after the Indian Reorganization Act.

John Yellow Bird Steele's Career

From 1992 to 2016, John Yellow Bird Steele was elected president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe seven times. These terms were not always one after another. Before becoming president, he also served as the tribe's vice-president for two terms. He was also a representative on the tribal council. He worked hard to support the Black Hills Treaty Council, which helps protect the rights of his people.

His Time as President

Even though Steele served seven terms, he only won re-election once, in 2002. Sometimes, he would lose an election, but then he would win against the same person in the next election.

Steele first became president in 1992. He was followed by Wilber Between Lodges in 1994.

He became president again in 1996, but then Harold Dean Salway took over in 1998.

Steele won the presidency back from Salway in 2000 and was re-elected in 2002. Cecilia Fire Thunder became president after him in 2004.

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

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

In 2020, Steele tried to become president for an eighth time, but he was not successful.

Important Policies

Steele is known for strongly speaking up for his tribe to the United States government. He has spoken to the U.S. Congress many times. He reminded them of their promises from old treaties. He also asked them to recognize the Lakota code talkers with special medals for their service. Code talkers used their native languages to send secret messages during wars.

Helping the Economy

In 1989, the area where the Oglala Lakota people live had a very high rate of poverty. When Steele became president in 1992, he believed that allowing businesses to grow was the answer. He worked to open casinos as a way to create jobs and help people earn money. One casino, the Prairie Winds Casino, opened during his first term. He later helped it become a much larger place during his fifth term.

Improving Health

Steele also focused on health issues. After a tribal leader passed away from cancer, Steele said he wanted to start a "war on cancer" in Native American communities. He planned to hold a meeting to discuss ways to treat and prevent cancer.

About His Life

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