Clifford "Ho’evâtamehnestse (Earth Walking)" Eaglefeathers

Clifford (Ho'evâtamehnestse) Eaglefeathers

Clifford Eaglefeathers, or Ho'evâtamehnestse (Earth Walking), a traditional Northern Cheyenne Elder of Bloomville, New York, formerly Busby, Montana, was called home to Ma'heo'o on December 22, 2025 at the age of 78. Born July 19, 1947, he was a fifth-generation descendant of Chief Morning Star and Pawnee Woman. Clifford was raised by his grandparents, Julian Seminole and Stamper White, on the family ranch on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Busby.

A Vietnam war veteran, Clifford was the beloved husband of Karyl Eaglefeathers and father of Ira, Shana, Eli, Tyson, Jonathan, Clifford Shawn, David, and Nate. He was a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather to many, including Mahala, Summer, Westen, Adrianna, Sol, Eli, Cedar, Julian Eagleroad, Sage, Patience, Danni, Eric, Gabe, Ava, Charley, Ezra, Flora, Nate, AJ, Alias, Natae, Destiny, Nathan, Jasmine, Sky, Kaley, Autumn, Promise, and Ame'ha'e. Clifford's siblings include Pauline Eaglefeathers, Claudia BearQuiver, Deana Eaglefeathers, Theda Eaglefeathers, Mary Green, Lyndon Killsontop, and Clayton LongSioux.

Clifford is remembered as a kind and generous leader, loved and respected by everyone who knew him. His giving spirit and rich sense of humor were complemented by his open heart and unwavering loyalty to his family, friends, and community.

While attending St. Labre High School, Clifford honed his skills as a gifted basketball player, helping the team bring home the Montana state championship. While serving in the U.S. Army from 1967–69, he was recruited as an ambassador for the Army Corps basketball team. Clifford recalled fondly playing overseas against teams from Italy, France, and Germany as part of their diplomatic charter-it was also the only time he ever recalled being the shortest player on the team.

Clifford was a traditional Northern Cheyenne Elder, respected ceremonial man, and a Headsman of the Elk Horn Scrapers Military Society. In addition to his vast knowledge and practice of Cheyenne ceremonial ways, he was one of few remaining Northern Cheyenne elders fluent in the Cheyenne Sacred Language. He also served on the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School board, and worked with the Northern Cheyenne Recovery Center and Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing.

As a seasoned researcher, historian, and orator, Clifford was known for his compelling storytelling, and believed deeply in the importance of sharing living history, especially in his native language: "We need to talk to our little ones about history; we need to preserve our language. That's our identity."

He and his wife, Karyl, collaborated on various cultural heritage projects, including teaching, a weekly radio program, and the preservation and field documentation of the Northern Cheyenne Sacred Language, with support from the National Science Foundation.

Clifford was a founding member of the Fort Robinson Memorial Committee, and was instrumental in reconciliation work at the Little Bighorn battlefield, including the installation of the Indian Memorial and granite markers for Indian warriors who fell in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. As an adjunct professor through SUNY Empire State College, he taught an original curriculum on the untold history of Little Bighorn from a Cheyenne perspective. He was also honored at the 140th anniversary of the battle for his work to recover a rare tribal dress from the battle and return the artifact to tribal elders.

Cliff touched countless lives-too many to name individually-but all are remembered in our hearts and minds. Recognition is given to special friends Tim Kelly, Pete Rising Sun, Bilford Curley, John Dorner, Paul Heon, Trina Eaglefeathers, Toni Eaglefeathers, Brian Redstar, and all those whose tireless support has meant so much to Clifford and his family.

Condolences may be sent to 132 Scotch Hill Road, Bloomville, NY 13739. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clifford's name to the Soaring Eagle Heritage Living Center, 2232 Tongue River Road, Ashland, MT 59003; Bloomville United Methodist Church, Bloomville, NY 13739; or the Cancer Research Institute.

A traditional wake will take place at his home at 132 Scotch Hill Road, Bloomville, NY from 10-1pm on Saturday, December 27. Funeral services will take place on December 27 at 2pm in the Bloomville United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Bloomville, NY. Arrangements are with the Macarthur Funeral Home, Hobart, NY.