Crows encouraged to carry tribal IDs

By Levi Old Elk, Freelance Reporter

Crow Tribe Legislative Representative Dean Don't Mix from Lodge Grass, who serves as the Speaker of the House, issued a statement advising Crow Tribal members to carry tribal identification cards with them at all times after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a nationwide enforcement order on illegal immigration.

Don’t Mix’s press release was sent out for the safety of Crow Nation citizens on the Crow Reservation due to reports by members of the Navajo Nation being detained by federal ICE agents during raids to crackdown on illegal immigration.

As a result, should ICE begin to detain illegal immigrants in Montana, tribal members would need to have current tribal IDs on them at all times to avoid being targeted and detained.

“In regards to the statement concerning ICE and illegal immigration, stemmed from speaking to elders in the community, majority of them don't have social media.” Don't Mix said. “They heard what was happening through their grandchildren and would interpret what was relayed to them but with that, there was context missing and I wanted to add some clarification.”

Don't Mix also went on to point out the 1825 Friendship Treaty which solidified the Crow Nation’s relationship as citizens of the United States. 

“I wanted to put something out officially that was state level or national level and not just some social media post, so our elders would have something official to see, understand and hold onto eliminating rumors and hearsay.”

Don't Mix also pointed out President Trump’s move to end birthright citizenship in the United States would affect Native Americans.

“That's another reason I referenced the 1825 Treaty. The government already shook our hands and now he's saying things to the contrary,” he said.

Don't Mix also stated that he wanted to convey his actions and efforts were made for the elders of the Tribe and to the people. He emphasized he felt it was his responsibility to add clarification and reassurance to the Crow Tribe.

Attempts to get a statement from the Crow Tribal Enrollment concerning the possible increase of tribal members seeking ID cards were redirected to the Executive Branch, who did not comment.

The enrollment office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tribal ID cards are $10 each, cash or money order. Cards are free for students from kindergarten through college. Parent or guardian is required for children under 18 years old.