Former Crow Tribe Chairwoman Dead

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By Kenneth Wong

Story Published: Feb 1, 2012 at 8:21 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2012 at 8:54 PM MDT

BILLINGS - The Crow Indian Community is mourning the death of their longest-serving chairperson on Wednesday.

According to an obituary, Clara Mae White Hip Nomee died Tuesday at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings from unspecified causes. She was 73 at the time of her death.

Nomee served as the tribe's chairman from 1990 to July of 2000, and was the only female to hold that office. Those who worked with Nomee said Wednesday that Nomee's 10-year service as the Crow Chairwoman helped bring stability to the tribal government.

"She brought down the political tension at that time. I think had it been another man, there would be a battle, but having a woman come in, she kind of mellowed down the political tension," said Arlo Dawes, who served as Nomee's Executive Assistant during her tenure as Chairwoman.

The current Crow Chairman, Cedric Black Eagle, also issued a statement, which praised Nomee's 10-year tenure, and that "her strength and dignity to overcome life's struggles, will always remain as a true testament to her life and legacy that her family can be proud of."

Nomee's tenure as Chairwoman, however, was also marred by controversy, as she faced theft charges towards the end of her career.

According to the obituary, Nomee leaves behind eight adopted children, 61 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Nomee's funeral, according to the obituary, is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, at the Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Lodge Grass.

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