[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 27, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S8606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING FRANCIS CREE

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I want to pay tribute to a friend and 
distinguished North Dakotan, Francis Cree, who passed away on June 15 
at the age of 86.
  Francis Cree was a highly respected Ojibwe elder of the Turtle 
Mountain Band of Chippewa of North Dakota. He was the official pipe 
carrier for the tribe, a position of honor and leadership. He led the 
tribe as chairman in the 1960s and served several terms on tribal 
council. Francis spent countless hours teaching young people about 
Ojibwe culture and traditions. He was also a singer, a crafter and 
artist, a spiritual leader, a carver of pipes, and a keeper of the 
ceremonial drum for the Dunseith community. On November 8, 2001, we had 
the honor here in the Senate of being led in opening prayer by Francis. 
It was indeed a proud day for Francis and his family.
  Francis was married to Rose Cree, herself a well-known artist who 
made beautiful willow baskets, several of which were featured at the 
Smithsonian's Festival of American Folk Life on The Mall here in our 
Nation's Capital. The Crees collaborated on these baskets. Both 
collected the materials, while Francis made the frames from ash, and 
Rose wove the willows. In 2002, Francis and Rose received the National 
Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, which recognizes 
the significant contributions of American folk artists.
  Francis was a kind, humble, and generous man. He gave selflessly and 
never expected or wanted anything in return. Francis and Rose raised 14 
children and opened their hearts and home to many more. They were also 
proud grandparents to more than 100 grandchildren and great-
grandchildren and many, many great-great grandchildren. Each and every 
one of them is a reflection of Francis's caring and endearing spirit.
  Mr. President, this is a tremendous loss for the Cree family, but it 
is also an incredible loss to North Dakota and the Nation. Francis's 
life and the legacy he leaves behind is truly an inspiration to us all.

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