Political Career
Described as a traditionalist Lakota, White Plume was elected as Vice-President for Oglala Sioux Tribe in November 2004, serving until June 29, 2006. After the tribal council impeached Cecilia Fire Thunder, the tribal president, and removed her from her duties, White Plume acted as president until the next election in November 2006.
He was succeeded by John Yellowbird Steele, who had served as president before Fire Thunder was elected.
In 2009 White Plume criticized the two deaths and 19 people hospitalized resulting from James Arthur Ray's crowding 64 people into a sweat lodge. Ray, a non-Native, multimillionaire, self-help guru, had for years been running sweat lodges and retreats for "Spiritual Warriors" - customers who paid a high fee. White Plume said the Lakota were working with other tribes to try to prevent their sacred ceremonies being stolen and abused by such outsiders.
| Preceded by Cecilia Fire Thunder |
President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe 2006 |
Succeeded by John Yellowbird Steele |
Read more about this topic: Alex White Plume
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