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John Snow, born on a cold winter night, and named by an elder previous to the knowledge brought that he was born, said this man "Walking Seal" would be a good man and a good leader for his people. And he was, he delivered the Stoney Nation to the forefront of the challenge of being First Citizens. Unfortunately the bands were in 3, under the tribe and cohesive behavior would never be. Regardless, he brought this nation into the modern world, but more than this he returned this nation through the ecumenical conference, and all Indian peoples of North America to reconnect and bring out of the hidden cloak; the music, the dancing, the singing, the tradition. He educated those who wished to be educated. He mastered, combining both his tribe and non-natives within the educational world to work together. He demanded the University join his fight, and he was successful. This man was one of the stepping stones, to the Educated Indian of today. Never dod he forget who he was, never did he liet tradition and culture slip from his forefront. Always the traditional paths of which his people travelled previously he brought to the forefront. Through good business acumen, he extended the boundaries of the reserve through the purchase of ranches. He opened the doors of the nation to growth. No single man, so wanted his people to be a success than Chief John Snow.

Against all adversity for years, he just forged ahead, and knew that people would always be people. He was not content wanting a change in life, he was committed to being the change that he wanted to see.

I write about this man, as for years, I worked silently beside him, and silently knew the pain and suffering, and also knew the deep humility. There comes a time when humbleness is wonderful, but the last years, I always told him, a Great Artist is worth much when he is gone, and John you have been an artist, for you have for your people drawn a map towards the future.

In 1999 when great adversity was plaguing his life, and powers stronger than he declawed him, the pain was very deep. The media was cruel, and they had no idea of what they spoke. The outcome millions of dollars spent for nothing, but never an apology, never a statement: that he had done no wrong. The following poem was written to him, to understood his devotion and his love for his people, now I have changed it to the past tense.

Please read it as a tribute to this most honored human being, the late Hereditary Chief John Snow Sr.,


Servant Leader

You served in the face of adversity,
Believing the path would be clear
You served and you suffered with a silent tongue,
A strong heart
You suffered the whip of words
You always believed it was a new start
It was a time of confusion – powers apart
You served with the knowledge of life
You placed tradition as the sentinel.
Hereditary, you are the last of the great
You served to the visions of the ancients passed
And yet, you faced each day new, as a child of time
You served with love to those in need, and continued
You silently watched in wonder and dismay as love turned to greed.
To serve and hold steady to the Creator’s view.
Humility my dearest of friends belonged to you.

And whosoever shall be Chief among you, Let Him Be Your Servant. Matthew 20:27

[size=7]Originally written in 1999 by Pale Ant Medicine Woman, as a tribute to a Great Leader
Revised, Edition in the Past Tense – May the thousands whom heard his words, may the thousands who were touched with his strength and endurance, know he is but in another camp, yet still present, and his incredible devotion of his life towards Indian people taking their rightful place, be always honored and always remembered.