Blackfeet lifts mask mandate, opens tribal offices
PUBLIC NOTICE – MARCH 14, 2022
Per the consensus of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and Blackfeet Incident Commander, the Mask Mandate shall be optional on the Blackfeet Reservation pursuant to the CDC recommendations effective March 15, 2022. All tribal offices and programs will be opened to the public effective March 15, 2022. Mask wearing is recommended for those with severe immune compromised and personal choice. Please continue to be safe.
NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THE BLACKFEET CIVIL COMMITMENT CODE & THE BLACKFEET DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CODE BY FEB 15, 2022
The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council has taken action to amend two areas of the Blackfeet Law and Order Code:
- The Blackfeet Tribal Business council acknowledges the dire need to ensure that public service are made available to address the mental health and substance abuse needs of the Blackfeet Community. In order to appropriately provide protective services, treatment resources, and public resources; while protecting the due process rights of all involved. (to address the social needs as a community) the Tribal Council enacted Resolution 131-2022; to which, passed the “Civil Commitment Code;” &
- The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council recognizes that the three different laws pertaining to Domestic Abuse (on the Reservation) cause confusion and hinder the overall effectiveness of ending abuse on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. To prevent that confusion, to provide victims of domestic abuse the maximum protection from abuse, and to firmly declare that domestic abuse will not be excused or tolerated, the Tribal Council enacted Resolution 147-2022; to which, passed the “Domestic Abuse Law.”
The public has 60 days to provide comments to the Blackfeet Civil Commitment Code and/or the Blackfeet Domestic Abuse Law. The comment period will end on February 15, 2021.
View or Download the “Civil Commitment Code” and/or the “Domestic Abuse Law.” A hard copy of both amendments are available at the Blackfeet Tribal Offices (front reception desk).
Please submit all comments by February 15, 2022 to:
- Blackfeet Legal Department
P.O. Box 849
Browning, MT 59417
Comments also may be submitted by email on or before February 15, 2022 to blackfeetlegal@blackfeetnation.com.
Official Arrangements for Chief Earl Old Person
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 2:00pm – Chief Earl Old Person will be arriving home to the Blackfeet Nation. He will be brought to the Blackfeet Tribal Conference Room Chambers where a walk through viewing will take place.
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 4:00pm – Chief Earl Old Person will be escorted to the Browning High School Gymnasium where he will lay in state until Friday.
Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 7:00pm – Special Church Service
Friday, October 22, 2021 at 11:00am – Funeral Service
We will update as more information becomes available.
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
Blackfeet reissues COVID-19 mandates as cases rise on Reservation
UPDATED EMERGENCY PUBLIC NOTICE – MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 – 3:15 P.M.
The Blackfeet Reservation is currently experiencing an increased number of COVID-19 cases at this time.
The following orders are issued by the Blackfeet Incident Command Team:
1. A mandatory mask mandate for the Blackfeet Reservation effective immediately. All businesses and individuals shall be notified.
2. All Blackfeet Tribal Offices shall be closed to the public until further notice. Tribal Employees will report to work on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Business may be handled via phone, email, fax, or appointment.
The Blackfeet Reservation is not on lockdown.
Anyone traveling out of town is encouraged to wear a mask and follow CDC recommendations.
These orders are effective immediately and shall remain in effect until further notice and are put in place in the best interest of the Blackfeet Reservation.
Blackfeet Care Center
Blackfeet Update: COVID-19 Cases
As of June 23, 2021, the Blackfeet reservation has had 0 active COVID-19 cases for 23 straight days.
Covid deaths ravaged this Native American Tribe. Now, 98% of eligible citizens are vaccinated.
Covid deaths ravaged this Native American Tribe. Now, 98% of eligible citizens are vaccinated. Click here to learn more.