Russell H. Red Elk went back to the spirit world on the evening of October 4, 2013, at his sister’s home in Wolf Point, Mt. His spirit entered this world March 1, 1950 in Seattle, WA. to parents Josephine C. DeMarce and James H. Red Elk.
He was married to and parted from Violet Cook of Ft. Thompson, S.D. They had a daughter, Celeste Red Elk. His parents and ex-wife preceded him in death.
He attended grade school in Poplar, MT. and graduated from Choate Preparatory School, Walling ford, CT on June 7, 1969. He earned an AB in Anthropology, from Stanford University, CA, April 4, 1974, and an AM in Anthropology from Stanford, June 16, 1991. He also attended Yale University’s School of Management and focused on Public Management as well as Organizational Behavior.
Russell cherished the traditional spirituality of the Dakota/Lakota Nation. He had a profound knowledge of his language, culture and Lakota cultural heroes. He was proud to say he was a descendant of the Mnisida (Chelsea) Ihanktowan/Hunkpapa community of the Ft. Peck Reservation, MT.
His love for mathematics led him to teaching math at the high school and college level at Standing Rock Community College, ND and Fort Peck Community College, Poplar, MT. In his last years he privately tutored many Community College students.
In his position as a Ft. Peck Tribes Cultural Resources Consultant, he wrote grants for the Tribe and traveled extensively for the return of cultural items according to the Repatriation Act. He was a co-editor of the Red Tipi Literary Project, a booklet for counselors funded by the Ft. Peck Tribes.
He had classmates and friends from all over the country that valued his friendship and stayed in touch with him. He was on the undefeated Choate basketball team of 1968-69, was invited to the Choate reunion of the star basketball team. He also enjoyed javelin, discus and the high jump.
Russell’s joy in life was communicating with his people. He loved sharing stories and could speak to all people at all levels. He understood his illness and his prayer for all tribal people is to understand Historical Trauma, know we have a sacred spirit, treat each other kindly and pray thankful prayers.
Russell leaves behind his daughter, Celeste, sisters Lois Red Elk Reed, Iris Red Elk Allrunner, Elaine Red Elk Summers; nephews and a niece, Dustin Reed (Merit), Neil Reed (Jessie), James Summers (Amy), Steven Barr (Elissa), Russ Red Elk Barr, Stephanie Red Elk Charger (Jason Charger) and Austin Barr (Carrie),
Also in the family is one grandson, Dante Stands and his sister’s grand children: Iotshentenawi, Wahcawin, Ietwatsirine, Jett, Boston, Isanti, Liam, Lilly, Austin, Steven III, Alex, Roman, Kirsten, Russell Jr, Brandon, Medista, William III, Iris Ariel, Justin, Alesha Kay, Shantelle, Kolby, Ryver Selina, Austin, Karson, and Austin.
In the Tiospaye (extended family) he was related to the following families: Pipes (a special niece Anna Marie), Grey Bears, Browns, War Clubs, Bears, Morales’, Red Elks, Shields, Dozelics, Red Boys, Red Eagles, Cantrells, Red Thunders, and many more. He also has nephews and nieces from the DeMarce family in Spirit Lake.
He had four special friends that he knew all his life, James Shanley, Ira Darnell, Mervin Shields and Edward Smith. They will serve as honorary pall bearers.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 9 at the Wolf Point Community Hall. The funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, October 10 at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment will follow at the Chelsea Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.