The death of revered and respected Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow had thousands praising the man’s life and legacy.
Montana lawmakers and leaders provided statements on Medicine Crow’s passing on Sunday.
Governor Steve Bullock issued the following statement on the passing of Dr. Joe Medicine Crow:
“Today, Lisa and I join Montanans to pay respect and celebrate the rich life of Dr. Joe Medicine Crow,” said Governor Bullock. “Joe was a Crow War Chief, veteran, elder, historian, author, and educator. His legacy will forever serve as an inspiration for all Native Americans – and all Montanans.”
Senator Steve Daines released the following statement:
“Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow leaves an unmatched legacy as the Crow Tribe’s historian and storyteller, a decorated World War II veteran and the first member of the Crow Tribe to attain a master’s degree,” Daines stated. “Medicine Crow’s spirit, humility and life achievements leave a lasting imprint on Montana’s history. My deepest condolences are with Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow’s family and all of Crow Nation.”
Daines will be delivering a speech tomorrow on the Senate floor in honor of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow.
Senator Jon Tester, Vice Chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, released the following statement:
“Today, Montana lost a treasure. Joe Medicine Crow was a soldier and a scholar, but above all he was a fierce advocate for Native American families. When you spoke with Joe Medicine Crow, it was impossible not to be inspired. I know his legacy will motivate generations of Montanans to follow in his footsteps and live a life dedicated to serving others.”
In 2008, Jon Tester nominated Joe Medicine Crow to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. He was honored by President Obama in August of 2009.
School District 2 Superintendent Terry Bouck sent out a statement regarding Medicine Crow’s death:
“Today we learned of the Passing of Joe Medicine Crow. Dr. Medicine Crow was a patriot, scholar and the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Billings Public Schools is proud to honor Dr. Medicine Crow by naming the new Heights Middle School after him. Joe Medicine Crow’s ‘New House of Learning’ will open in his honor in August of 2016, and we know that his words and deeds will influence all who walk through its halls.”