Andrew Old Elk

CROW AGENCY - Andrew O. Old Elk, 62, Crow Tribal secretary, passed to the other side camp, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007, in the Billings St. Vincent Hospital.
Ihsat bishe laaxpe, "Cowboy," was born Nov. 20, 1944, a son of George Curley Old Elk, Sr. and Evelyn Bird in Ground. He received his early education in Crow Agency before graduating from the Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kan., in 1963. In 1977, he attended the Argonne National Research Lab in Chicago, working on tribal energy resource development. He continued his education at Haskell, receiving an AA degree in business, then an AAS degree in Animal Science from the Sheridan Community College, then a BS degree in Agriculture from Montana State University in 1995, and completed his education with a master's degree in First Nation Environmental and Indian Law in 1998 from the Vermont School of Law. He utilized his education to assist the Crow Tribe with its many and varied activities. During his younger years, he was a cowhand for the Padlock ranch.
He married Janet Stewart on Nov. 3, 1980, and the couple made their home in Crow Agency. He was a member of the Baptist Church, Whistling Water Clan and was a child of the Greasy Mouth Clan. He was a strong believer in Crow traditional ways, including the Native American Church, Sun Dance, Hand-games and Sweat Lodge. He was known to encourage the Crow language, its etiquette and the Clan System. He was an outgoing person who was always displaying his sense of humor.
At an early age, he became involved in the Crow Tribal political arena, serving on numerous committees and various positions, culminating into the present elected position as Crow Tribal Secretary. He was a spokesman for the Montana Indian Alliance, a member of the Montana and Wyoming Tribal leaders, chairman of the Crow Oil and Gas Committee, BIA Budget Advisory Council and was the overseer of the A.C.E. Board for the Little Big Horn Casino. He made many trips on behalf of his Tribe.
His parents; son Simon; and brothers, Sharon, Sammy and George Old Elk, Jr. preceded Andrew in death.
Survivors include his wife, Janet; daughter Savanna; sons Harrison, Royce and Lamar of the family home; sisters, Dora Rides Horse, Gwen (Larry) Plain Bull and Lavern Rios; his brothers, Dan (Carlene), Walter Eugene (Colleen), Clayton (Georgiann), John (Karen) and Larry (Carol) Old Elk; his adopted sisters, Linda Blaine, Bertha (Francis) Bear Claw, Betty Nixon, Mardell (Dan) Plain Feather and Jane Berdie; adopted brother, Sonny Hare; a granddaughter, Kerwin Old Elk; an adopted father for whom he had great respect, Paul Rides Horse; his adopted children, Robert Shane, Solomon Little Owl, Gloria White, Clemencia Stops, Annie Couture, Kathleen Dorcey, Paul Sullivan, Allison and Frances Knows His Gun, Sharon Eagleman, Solomon Scabby Robe, Cervante' Stops, Barry Glenn, Kelsey Chandler, Kinsley Dawes, Jay and Michelle Howe, Georgiann and Isabella Old Elk; as well as his extended family, including the Bird in Ground, Deputee, Chief Child, Hunts the Arrow, LaForge, Takes the Horse, White Dirt, Yellow Eyes and Scabby Robe families.
Formal prayer services and lying in state will begin 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Crow Multi-Purpose Building. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Multi-Purpose Building. Interment with Tribal Honors will follow in the Crow Agency Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Andrew Old Elk Memorial Fund in care of First Interstate Bank, Hardin.