A Chief's Calling

Greetings!

This is Chief Timothy Swallow Sr.

I am one of the four Head Chiefs of The Seven Council Fires of The Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Nations... Also Known as Oceti Sakowin.

I was made Chief two Summers ago by the Elders of these Three Nations. I am also one of the Traditional Chiefs of The Oglala Sioux Tribe, which reside on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. I am from the Village of Porcupine, South Dakota; and have resided in Boston, Massachusetts for the past 20 years. I travel back and forth. My family and myself descend from my Great-Grandfather; Standing Buffalo, who was part of the Chief Crazy Horse Band.

I am a Holy Man. I have been a Holy Man for over 30 years. I am a Spiritual Advisor, and work with people of many different Nations, and my work continues.

For many years I have helped my people with money I made from traditional arts and crafts. I have also used this limited income for travel to lectures and ceremonies, or wired money home to someone who needed help.

Now as a Chief, I have more responsibility to the people as well as many more meetings to attend, in helping the Traditional Council of Chiefs. Part of my responsibility as a Chief is ensuring that I find help for the people with fuel , utilities, and especially shelter. I am Overwhelmed seeing the homeless on my reservation. I am overwhelmed seeing families living in cars and tents on a Reservation where the temperature often plummets to -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills much lower. I am asking for Travel expenses to go hold counsel with other Tribal Leaders throughout the U.S. who are better able to assist us.

My own major expenses are for Plane tickets, Car Rentals, hotels, food and gasoline.

I am asking You, Friends, to help with these expenses.

Oceti Sakowin is a Sovereign Nation Council. We do not ask for help from the U.S. Government.

Thank you very much.-Chief Timothy Swallow Sr. (Brave Elk)