Longtime Chief & Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribe passes away at 92

PRESS RELEASE – OCTOBER 13, 2021

Longtime Chief & Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribe passes away at 92

Browning, MT – Earl Old Person, the longest serving elected tribal official in the U.S., passed away today at Blackfeet Community Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Earl was elected to the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council in 1952 and served for over 60 years while serving as Chairman for over 50 years.  During this time, Earl met many dignitaries including every U.S. President since Dwight Eisenhower, the British Royal Family, the Shah of Iran, and other world leaders.

In 1978, the family of the late Jim White Calf, bestowed the hereditary chieftainship, to Earl.

Earl was an orator and leader for the Blackfeet People, the Blackfoot Confederacy, and Indian People across the United States and Canada.

“The Blackfeet People have suffered a huge loss today with the passing of Chief Old Person.  A chapter in our history has come to a close.  The Blackfeet Tribe offers prayers and support to the family of Earl at this time.”

Services are pending.

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Contact:  
James McNeely
Public Information Officer
Blackfeet Tribe
(406) 338-3515
jmcneely@blackfeetnation.com