[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23548]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO JOHN ``RODDY'' SUNCHILD

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, today I want to recognize a truly 
great citizen, a great tribal leader and a miltary hero, John ``Roddy'' 
Sunchild. The Rocky Boy Tribe of North Central Montana, the State of 
Montana and the United States of America have lost an outstanding 
leader, citizen and soldier. And for those of us who had the privilege 
of knowing him, his family and colleagues, we have lost a great father, 
grandfather, husband and friend.
  John ``Roddy'' Eagle Sunchild, Sr. an enrolled member of the Chippewa 
Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation was born June 30th, 
1930, the grandson of Sunchild, an early leader of the Cree people. He 
attended schools on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation in Montana in 
his youth.
  Roddy was a quiet, unassuming man. At the same time, he was a fierce 
advocate for his community and his people and a courageous warrior/
soldier for his country. He possessed a gentle, understated sense of 
humor that put people at ease and, at the same time, made points more 
eloquently than long-winded speeches.
  At age 17, Roddy enlisted in the U.S. Airborne Paratroopers and was 
immediately assigned to a tour in Korea. It was during his time with 
the 4th Airborne Ranger Company that he distinguished himself as one of 
the most honored members of the 187th Regimental Combat Team. Roddy 
received citations which included the Master Parachutist Badge, 
Airborne Glider Badge, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Double 
Valor, the Purple Heart, the U.S. Good Conduct Medal, Korean Campaign 
Medal, the U.S. Presidential Unit Citation, the French Fourragere, and 
Master Sergeant. The highest level he attained in the military was an 
E7.
  Roddy and his wife Florence, a retired teacher for the Rocky Boy 
Elementary School system, have four children, nine grandchildren, and 
one great grandchild.
  In 1984, he was elected to the Tribal Business Committee, where he 
advocated for tribal education opportunities for his people, along with 
better health services. His leadership, while serving as Chairman for 
the Stone Child College Board of Directors, was the primary catalyst 
for the college in achieving full accreditation. He initiated various 
wellness programs for the Chippewa Cree Tribe and sought opportunities 
for individual improvement though health, education, and a stronger 
tribal government.
  In 1992, Roddy was elected Tribal Chairman and during his tenure the 
Chippewa Cree Tribe sought, and was awarded, a Self-governance Compact 
from the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, BIA. 
Roddy was a staunch proponent for Tribal Higher Education and for 
improved Health Care for his people. Roddy was very well known 
throughout the United States and Canada for his active involvement in 
the well being and improvement of Indian Country.
  Over the past several years, Roddy founded and served as the Chief 
Executive Officer for the National Tribal Development Association, 
NTDA, which administers federal grants and cooperative agreements to 
enhance the governance and economies of Indian Reservations. The NTDA 
also works to promote inter-tribal trade and commerce and create 
programs that serve as a hand up, rather than a hand-out.
  Roddy exemplified what could be construed as a true modern warrior. 
He was able to advocate and promote modern ways in order to ensure that 
Natives could compete in today's world. While doing this he still held 
on to and practiced his true traditional and cultural ways. He was one 
of our Sundance leaders, and had earned the right to practice various 
other cultural ceremonies. His presence played an integral part in most 
cultural ceremonies held on the Rocky Boy's Reservation.
  Family was of particular importance to Roddy. What Roddy enjoyed most 
was being at home with his family. He especially enjoyed his many 
grandchildren. Roddy was an active member of numerous Native American 
organizations and associations and was a great advocate for Native 
American Veterans, especially on the Rocky Boy.
  Roddy not only set an example for others to follow, he set about his 
life's work with the sole purpose of helping others to reach their full 
potential. At the core of his being was his deep commitment and love 
for his people, the Chippewa Cree. Through them, his legacy continues.
  As a great leader, Roddy personified the meaning of commitment, 
vision and honor. His people, Indian Country, the United States of 
America and the world are better for having been witness to his life on 
earth.

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