Robert Gopher was born in Cut Bank, Montana on November 17, 1929 to Jim “Loud Thunder” Gopher from the Bald Eagle Clan in Saskatchewan, Canada, and Mary “Iron Claw Bear Woman” Chippewa, who was from Bear Clan, near Anaconda, Montana. Both were Ojibwa Indians.
Jim and Mary had four sons and four daughters, Robert being the youngest son. At six years old, Robert had only attended a few days of first grade, before being asked to leave by the school officials, because his parents would not permit him to cut off his traditional braids. Consequently, he taught himself how to read and write English and artwork. Eventually he would also become fluent in Chippewa and Cree.
Jim “Loud Thunder” Gopher was the nephew of Frenchman, who was the first keeper of the 13 Stars Peace Flag, which is bearing the thirteen stars, to represent the first Thirteen American Colonies; this flag was created in 1777 and discontinued in 1794. The 13 Stars Flag was given to the tribe for allowing the white colonists to trespass their territory in peace and unharmed, thus it was called the Peace Flag! Frenchman was said to have been given a medallion, and certificate for his help in defeating the British Army. After Frenchman's passing, the 13 Stars Flag was handed down to Loud Thunder, Robert's dad, which he kept until his death in 1946; and subsequently to his wife, Iron Claw Bear Woman, aka Mary; and then to Robert, their son, as the Keeper and guardian of the historical 13 Stars Flag. After Robert departed to the Spirit World in 1998, his wife Dorothy became keeper of the Flag.
Iron Claw Bear Woman, Robert’s mother, was a niece of Chief Rocky Boy, who was instrumental in establishing the Red Lakes Indian Reservation in Minnesota. In 1899, Chief Rocky Boy later made his way to Montana and campaigned to start the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation for their band of now displaced people. In January 1902, he wrote a letter to President Theodore Roosevelt asking for land to be given to his people, but Chief Rocky Boy died in April 1916, before the Presidential approval of Rocky Boy Reservation in September 1916. After the Chief’s death, the Ojibwa band of Indians were forced out of the area by others, that was to become the Rocky Boy Reservation in northcentral Montana. Then in the 1920s they became squatters on a small piece of land Northwest and just outside of Great Falls, Montana, which later became known as Hill 57.
Jim was also one of the delegates sent to Washington, D.C. to lay their plights before Congress, Indian Commissioner John Collier and the Bureau of Budgets to purchase a 55,000 acres ranch, as a reservation for the band of Ojibwa Indians, which was approved, but later the money was transferred to the war effort as US was bombed at Pearl Harbor in the early 1940s.
Robert was 16 years old when his father passed, and thereafter his mother became his strongest ally. She taught him traditional teachings and rituals of the Ojibwa Nation. She was also known as the healer and midwife of Hill 57. She would get up every morning before dawn to sing and pray to Creator and give thanks for the new day. Robert also learned Spiritual songs and Sacred Pipe rituals, under his Elders' guardianance.
When Robert’s father, Jim (photo to the left), was conducting one of many ceremonies called Give-Away Dance, which he performed at Hill 57, a crowd of onlookers from the town of Great Falls disrupted their ceremonies and called the police on them for practicing witchcraft and illegal ceremonies. The Native religious ceremonies and practices were banned by the churches and government at that time. It wasn't until later in 1978 that Congress passed the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. But by then, many ceremonies were gone or died with their keepers.
As Robert grew older, he learned the trade of being a welder, a toolmaker, and a mechanic. He also learned about the U.S. law and the legal system from a friend, Raymond Grey. He married his sweetheart, Dorothy McGillis (aka Rattle Woman), in 1950 and they had six boys but two died at birth and three girls. His mother, Mary, died when he was 36 years old. It was at this point that he stepped into his manhood role, to carry on his father and mother’s teachings, as an advocate for his people, and he conducted sacred ceremonies on Hill 57.
OJIBWA SPIRITUAL LEADER
November 17, 1929 - October 30, 1998
His dreams were deeply important to him. On several occasions the Elders from Saskatchewan, Canada, would visit him in the Dream World, before they died, to pass on their Sacred teachings, Pipe rituals and Spiritual songs. He used these teachings to heal mental and physical problems for people of all colors.
In 1967, he started a nonprofit organization called The Foundation for Indian Advancement. This organization was to encourage trading and selling of Indian arts and goods, to the citizens of Great Falls. From the proceeds, he purchased a school bus to transport people to powwows and Indian ceremonies. This foundation was dissolved two years later.
He later created another nonprofit organization called Loud Thunder International Inc., for the purpose of drugs and alcohol prevention of the Native Americans.
Dorothy Gopher (aka Rattle Woman) and Robert married in 1950. They had six boys but two died at birth and three girls.
His dreams were deeply important to him. On several occasions the Elders from Saskatchewan, Canada, would visit him in the Dream World, before they died, to call him to seek them out and learn some of their Sacred teachings, Pipe Ceremonies and Spiritual songs. He used these teachings to heal mental and physical problems for people of all colors on both sides of the border that came to him for help.
Buffalo Ceremony in Big Warm, MT
Robert's family gathered in front of the Ojibway Peace Flag.
In 1967, he started a nonprofit organization called The Foundation for Indian Advancement. This organization was to encourage trading and selling of Indian arts and goods, to the citizens of Great Falls. From the proceeds, he purchased a school bus to transport people to powwows, round dances and other Indian ceremonies. This foundation was dissolved two years later. He later created another nonprofit organization called Loud Thunder International Inc. for the purpose of cultural preservation and drugs and alcohol prevention of the Native Americans.
An example of Robert's artwork.
He had connection with several other Indian Reservations in Montana; one in particular was Fort Belknap Reservation. On one of his weekend visits to Fort Belknap, he was told about a Canadian company called Pegasus Gold, which was mining gold on the original reservation land using cyanide heap leaching. When he asked the crucial question, “Isn’t cyanide what they use to kill people?” to Joe W. Azure (refer to his story below) and David Healy, the answer was confirmed after they started sharing horror stories of miscarriages, birth defects and many other health problems of the residents; pollution of Sacred sites; and disappearance of fish and wildlife. This was also the beginning of the organization, Red Thunder Inc., to fight against the third largest mining company in the world at that time.
They did sweat lodge ceremonies and prayers asking for guidance from the Creator on how to fight and stop this multi-national company from destroying the Sacred Sites, killing the fish and wildlife, and poisoning the environment. It was during that time of one of the intense meditations and prayers that the Spirit revealed a dream to a young man named Ali Zaid in Boulder, Colorado.
Robert is practicing meditation by the river in Montana.
I had a dream. This dream took place in my living room. I was sitting on my L-shaped sofa and at one end was this American Indian man and at the other end I saw myself. As I sat, staring into his eyes, he started talking to me. At times, I was laughing. Other times I was crying. This went on for a while until he vanished. I awakened startled with an urgency that I had to find this man.
This vision affected me so much that a week later I began searching for this face and eyes – even going up to total strangers asking about this man. One day, while asking an old man, he said, “don't you know? He’s looking for you too. Calm down.” About two weeks later; that kind of a day where you’re tired and hungry, late at night I decided to go out and eat. As I approached the intersection of 28th and Canyon, I thought of this beautiful restaurant in the mountains called the Swiss Chateau. As I walked in, the waitress said, “We’re closed.” My reply was, “where is the cook?” He came out and said, “I knew one more person was coming in, what would you like?” After ordering, the waitress asked if she could join me. I said yes. She then asked, “Read any good books lately?” I said yes, Medicine Woman, but I’m looking for a Medicine Man. She replied, “let me call my girlfriend.” When she returned, she had a piece of paper and said, “You asked for him and there it is. He is coming to town next week.” After calling the phone number, the voice said, “I haven’t advertised him. How did you get my number?” After explaining, he said, “Send me $40 to help pay for his expenses,” then he would send the address where I can meet him.
Deeper than friendship, Robert Gopher's impact on Ali Zaid is hard to put into words.
Upon arriving 15 minutes late that evening to the place, I grabbed a pillow and sat by the door. There he was in a rocking chair speaking about the Sacred Sweat Lodge. When he removed his glasses to wipe his eyes, there for a brief second, we made eye contact. Those eyes – they were the same ones from my Vision. My heart began to rush. He pointed at me and said, “Are you ready to sweat?” I said yes. We then went to a farm. Very isolated – about 15 miles away. Upon arriving, he said, “What’s your name?” I replied, “Ali.” Then he said, “What took you so long. My name is Robert Gopher from Great Falls, Montana.
The following year, I went to visit Robert when he said, “Today, we’ll go and meet your brother. He is soft spoken like you, Ali.” We then drove to Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana, and I was introduced to Joe W. Azure. After spending several hours talking, we drove around the reservation to meet with people affected by gold mining owned by Pegasus Mining Company. I was totally shocked by the devastation and effect of the mining to their land and water system. Robert said, “Ali, you will be the connection between My World and Your World.” At the end of our visit we did a Sacred Sweat Lodge. I returned to Boulder knowing that this was the reason for my transformation and that Spirit had chosen my destiny.
Upon returning to Boulder, I went to my favorite coffee shop to meet with a friend to share my experience at Fort Belknap. As fate would have it, a lady sitting across from us overheard our conversation and said, "Excuse me, but I couldn't help overhearing your story. You should contact the LAW Fund (Land and Water Fund) an Environmental Law Center, for help with this problem." I immediately went to the LAW Fund office where I met with the director, Kelly Green. After telling her my story, she assigned a young lawyer to assist me, pro bono. This attorney’s name was Paul Zogg. After hearing my story, he became very concerned with the situation and said, "We have to expose Pegasus."
I then sold my sports car and purchased a camera with the money. I began making several trips to Fort Belknap Reservation, filming many stories from the residents and hiking up the mountain to get shots of the mine at work. At every visit, I also did Sweat Lodges and prayers asking for guidance from the Creator.
After three years of hard work and help from the Creator giving me many dreams from the subconscious world, the documentary film, Indian Tears of Love, was finally completed. The premier screening of the film was held in Boulder, Colorado, and then in Great Falls. We presented the documentary to the Tribal Council at Fort Belknap, where it helped make a monumental legal settlement against Pegasus.
Robert and I went on to make many more films together until his death in 1998. Before his passing, Robert mentioned his visions about visiting the Spirit World, where he met his loved ones.
I’m so grateful to Creator for giving me this spiritual experience and a glimpse into a world that I had never known. It’s been over 30 years going back looking at the things we had done and experienced - looking at the people, remembering conversations, and remembering the teachings.
My Dear brother Ali
The fasting turn out great and it was concluded with Sweat-lodge and memorial feast on last Sunday, and the weather was also great. It was shine, and warm, and now I will get on with other things.
I will personally initiate negotiation to the Governor of Montana to recognize the American Indian alcohol and drug counselors for the traditional Indian people. And I got some material for you enclosed herewith and hope it will be interesting to you.
And have enclosed postcards for though that wanted them.
And I have been real busy since I return home everyday, with the people, and no time to myself.
And please write and let know how you are getting along, and tell everyone I said Hello!
Sincerely,
Robert Gopher
Dear Bro,
This photo of the flag if it's all possible have it enlarged and three sizes in color smaller medium and larger in each 10 copies each.This flag has been in our family for over 200 years. They received this flag for being peaceful.
The kids are going to use the copies for cultural promotional purposes.
And as far as for as for the prayers go you have one or two pipe directions that is where you make offerings to ask for healings or blessings, and all it takes is compassion and sincerity for those we pray with.
May someday will come to be with everyone over there in good health. May creator and grandfathers bless all of us.
Robert Gopher
Dear Bro Ali,
Here's the herbs, and maybe one day the Sweat-lodge someday will be available there to fullfil our required special spiritual needs of original teachings, and always feel comfortable with the original Ojibway Elders' Teachings, or nor will ever tamper with them.
The spiritual songs are so beautiful, and sacred and we should always be thankful for them and we should always remember they were taught by the mystery. And I always am grateful to the spiritual beings for entrusting us with the most beautiful songs in the mother Earth Planet.
May our "maker" bless all of us with all of our daily needs and with His Guidance.
Listening Thunder
Robert Gopher
It was a dream that introduced me to Robert Gopher. Just a tiny glimpse into a world he had known his entire life. How he talked about the Elders, his mother, his father, all of the stories that were passed down to him; all of the songs, all of the teachings of how they once lived in harmony before the invasion took place. How beautiful this land was, so pristine, so lush, so many buffalos and a way of life, respect for the earth, respect for each other, and all living things on this continent.
I have been blessed to see the last of the Spiritual Elders before they passed. They are all silence now. Never to come again, never to speak again. Knowing this makes me very lonely. I think of them often, and I’m committed to carry on the teachings that had been passed down to me and my son. Only a few of us were able to experience the original traditional teachings that were once a part of this land and culture. They are all gone. But, we the few, are committed to carry on and to pass the teachings to our children and those who wish to learn.
Pictured [from left to right]: Mary Brevick, David Healy Sr., Joe W. Azure, Robert Gopher, and Ali Zaid
My name is Joe W. Azure and I was born in Fort Belknap, Montana on January 30,1948 to my father, William J. Azure and my mother, Inez Brisbo Bagley, both deceased. I am currently a member of the Fort Belknap Gros-Ventre and Assiniboine tribes. My Indian ancestors were of the Nez Perce, Little Shell Chippewa and Fort Peck Assiniboine Tribes and am also part French.
I am writing to honor my late brother-in-law, Robert (Listening Thunder) Gopher, and my sister, Dorothy Gopher, for all of the good teachings they did for me and my family and my friends and relatives, on our reservation back in Fort Belknap, MT.
Environmental protection activist and student of Native Theology and Ceremonial Practices
I first met Robert Gopher in 1979, at the Second Annual International Indian Treaty Council Conference, which my late uncle, Jimmy Main Sr., and I hosted at the south end of Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, in Montana. I remember that he asked us if he could build a Sweat Lodge for a Ceremony along the Big Warm Creek, during the conference. We said, yes by all means, and that we will even help him to do so. He built the Sweat Lodge and invited people that were participating at the conference to participate in the Sweat Lodge Ceremony.
I remember that there was also an Israeli man and a Palestinian man who Sweated with them at the time, by the time they finished the ceremony and came out of the Sweat Lodge, they were hugging and calling each other brother, as they went to the creek and jumped in together, to cool down. One of their names was Mordecai and the other Abraham. I remember clearly because they were rival enemies from the Middle East, but when they came out of the Sweat Lodge, they were completely peaceful and friendly with each other. That had a big impact on all of us that were helping out and participating in the Sweat Lodge. This incident was one of the turning points in my life, for my decision to study with Robert because he seemed to be in touch with something that was from the Spirit World and was real. Before that I was a lost Christian, but I decided to study with Robert and learn more about his ceremonies.
During the International Indian Treaty Council Conference that we hosted, there were representatives from many different tribes. Some were from the American Indian Movement like Russell Means, Vernon Belcourt, Dennis Banks and John Trudell. I was the Chief Security Guard for the camp at the time, and one of my assistants was Morgan Cochran. Morgan wouldn’t let Russell Means into the camp one evening, when he arrived late because Russell wouldn’t let him search his van. We all got a big laugh out of that the next day. Not too long after that I was (I guess you could say I was spiritually guided) to study with Robert Gopher to try to learn more about the Sacred teachings and the Sacred Ceremonies, that he had been carrying on.
I prepared the Sacred Pipe for him and offered a few gifts and a little gas money for him to come to teach me how to build a sweat lodge, how to run a sweat lodge, and to teach me a pipe ceremony or two. We also asked him to do a few healing ceremonies for our sick relatives and when he was done, they were better.
Under the direction of Robert Gopher, Joe fasted five times in the Little Rocky Mountains and once on Chief Mountain. Every spring, Joe conducts spring fasting ceremonies. The most recent was in May of 2020.
I remember Robert talking about fasting and how important it was for the young people to fast in the hills and to try to learn more about the Creator, because that is the Spiritual side of the teachings from our Native Ancestors. Because I was raised as a Christian by my parents, I didn't really understand what Robert was trying to tell me but thought that fasting might be a good thing to do. I eventually did go fasting on my own for a couple of days and nights without food or water to ask the Creator and the Spirit World for guidance and to help me seek out a true Elder to learn from.
I studied with Robert Gopher for nearly 20 years. He shared many ceremonies with me including the Seven Pipe Directions and 15 spiritual ceremonial songs for the Sweat Lodge. I believe it was around 1983-84 when Robert first invited me to a Round Dance Ceremony that he was sponsoring and hosting in Great Falls, Montana. The Round Dance Ceremony was quite amazing. And I especially remember a big banner that he always had hanging that said, "Between the Creator and You." Since then, for the past 33 years, I have been going down to participate and to help and show my support to our relatives on the Gopher family side. Robert and Dorothy had many children and their boys used to sing in Powwows and Round Dances.
Robert also used to come and get me to travel with them to Canada for the Sundance Ceremonies, Round Dances and Powwows. Robert used to be the MC (Master of Ceremonies) for many events and ceremonies and was one of the lead speakers in Canada and the United States. He was well-known on both sides of the border as a good, great man. He used to amaze me when we would go fasting in the hills. I would ask him what he was going to pray for and he would say, “I'm going to pray for help that when I pray for sick people, I'll be heard and that the sick people I pray for will be healed during the Ceremonies.” I thought it was amazing how kind, unselfish, caring and loving he was towards all people. He used to pray, shed tears in the Ceremonies, and sing Spiritual songs and ask for healings and help for the sick, the weak, the injured and the mentally disabled.
Robert Gopher was a great man. He was kind, loving, and understanding and I truly miss him. He passed on to the Spirit World, in 1998, but I know he is in a better place. One of the greatest gifts that he shared with me, was the Memorial Feed Ceremony, where we actually smudge the food with sage and sweet-grass and offer the food to our relatives, such as him, that passed on to the big Spiritual Camp of Souls close to the Creator's Lodge.
Robert Gopher was a Native American Traditionalist who led Sacred Ceremonies. He was also a Civil Rights and Environmental Activist, and he spoke Chippewa and Cree, and English fluently. We produced one audio recording, Our Sacred Mother Earth; three videos, Indian Tears of Love (1991), Extinct Civilization (1992) and Ahon-To-Ays and the 13 Star Peace Flag (1994).
**Robert's life story was written according to stories told by Robert, himself, and his son, Michael Gopher.
**Also see his obituary.
A new mining technology, using cyanide for the extraction of residual gold, is wreaking destruction on both the people and the environment of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana. This video shows rare footage of sacred American Indian sites, rarely seen by the outside world, which are now slowly surrendering to the ravages of capitalist technology. The documentary also highlights the casual disregard of culture and ecology shown by the Zortman/Landusky Mine ( a subsidiary of Pegasus Gold). Currently, the mine is still in operation, continuing its irreversible environmental damage and what is felt to be eventual genocide of the Gross Ventre and Assiniboine Indian tribes.
This recording contains material never before disclosed in over 200 years from Chippewa Indians.
Imagine if you will a continent of extreme beauty, crystal clear water, lush green life, and the Powerful Buffalo as far as the eye could see: A continent of people living in perfect harmony with its environment. The arrival of Christopher Columbus brought weapons of destruction, the pursuit of gold, and the beginning of the end for a most kind and generous people known as the American Indian. A culture of Christianity that brought about an Extinct Civilization. An informative documentary concerning a people once united and strong, now struggling for survival.
Extinct Civilization is a documentary film made in 1992 about Native American history, the violent legacy of Christopher Columbus since 1492, and educating the youth.
Almost to 300 years after the invasion of the United States and the terrorization of its native people, George Washington returned to these same people with a plea to help him with the most important battle of his career. Had they not chosen to help, the entire course of history would have changed. They were rewarded with a medallion, a certificate, a 13-star Presidential Flag, and promises of money, land, and hunting privileges. This is a story of that promise and a people victimized in the face of honor, trust, and false hope, as told by the Ahon-to-ays band of the Ojibwa Nation.
Sacred Teaching Revealed by Robert Gopher, Spiritual Advisor from The Ojibway Nation
Discussion of Native American sacred sweat lodge ceremony. Film made in 1990.
Babies born with birth defects, people suffering from skin problems, hair falling out, premature aging, muscle atrophy, animals dying, families losing loved ones; it was all connected to drinking water that had been contaminated from a local gold mine. Robert wanted to expose the mining company (Pegasus Gold) to stop their toxic pollution that was killing his family, friends, and neighbors. The answer, after brainstorming with his friends Ali Zaid and Joe W. Azure, was to document it all with video. Ali sold his car and bought a video camera, which launched the effort and making of the documentary Indian Tears of Love.
This is the flyer for the premiere of the film Indian Tears of Love.
Robert was well-respected and had strong relationships within his community and also with civil right leaders and environmental activists across America and Canada. He was invited to be the keynote speaker at several events that attracted the press. Some of his speeches were transcribed. Robert also sent several handwritten letters to friends until his death on October 30, 1998.
Brothers and sisters, I think the time has come where we set aside an occasion when we observe and celebrate the greatness of our liberty in the United States of America.
What I wanted to talk to you about, brothers and sisters, in this great gathering of love; my ancestors were traditional Ojibwa Indians. For centuries they believed and were in integral part of creation, and a part of nature. They lived and were guided by this mentality —it has been our natural law of responsibility since the beginning of time.
In the last 500 years you have benefited from this natural law greatly. And how we cared for the land, plant life, and animal life. When you first came here you were taught how to survive; that is your natural right to life, was given to you by our ancestors —beginning 500 years ago.
The Creation was our natural government. We were governed by this natural government. We never did experience civil rights or human rights violations for centuries. Nor famine. We lived in reality when you came. Within the last 500 years, you established the United States government, the government has its constitution to ensure the enforcement of equality of justice, and equality for everyone.
Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, and Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. should have lived there natural lives; the natural right to live. How do we accomplish anything if we are going to prevent each other from doing and accomplishing goals for the future generations? Let's give each other that right for the next 500 years! (Applause.)
Before you, I am very disheartened. For the past decade the United States supreme Court judges have been appointed and conditioned to rule against American Indian people concerning religion and tribal sovereignty. The recent devastating decision is taxing Indian sacred land within the boundaries of the Indian reservations in America. All this appears innocent.
Martin Luther King, was our brother. He attended with us in our sacred lodges. He was motivated. His dreams were the becoming of reality for your children in the future. I never was ashamed to tell you that I love you, each and everyone of you. My teachings, my daughter's teachings are that a good many times we fast, in a sweat lodge or in the mountains, without food and water. It is our teaching to pray for the people of the world, the Creator's children.
May we never experience any more kidnappings and hostage taking of our people such as occurred in Lebanon.
I am very grateful to my daughters who created Loud Thunder International, Inc. May our children live in peace. I want to thank you for this opportunity to share in the celebration. It is a great celebration. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
After the arrival of Christopher Columbus, in the Western hemisphere, Native Indian people have survived 500 years of systemic genocide and uninvited intrusion of injustice and suppression. Those of us who are concerned about reviving natural family values and original Indian lifestyle will address the alternatives for the culturally disadvantaged American Indian children's future. We are committed to provide their inalienable right to know and learn their history and heritage, and the right to live original lifestyle of their ancestors of an alcohol and drug-free life. This will be possible by creating the sacred land environment. Indian children must be reintegrated with nature, living in the sacred land is there right to exist with the rest of the people of the world.
These children are currently separated from their parents and their family lifestyle. They are surrounded by many forms of gambling, hard drugs and alcohol, on and off Indian Reservations. They are being victimized by addictions and gambling, alcohol and drugs causing many to be born with fetal alcohol syndrome and deformities. Everything has failed them —the federal and state governments, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs dominated rule of tribal governments has failed them.
To present time the American Indian people remain a substandard race of people. The United States Supreme Court has stripped them of their protections of American Indian Religious Freedom from the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
American Indian people must restore American Indian children's rights to reintegrate with the Earth and create sacred lands, live with health of natural environment and natural traditions. People must educate their own children and this environment that has worked for them for thousands of years. For thousands of years nature has provided us with life and health, our religious freedom and the human race has been one with nature and harmony.
During the sacred sweat lodge of men, women, and children of diverse backgrounds spiritual beings replied with beautiful sounds of thundering above the sweat lodge. This lifetime experience will always be remembered by those present. These Thunder Beings confirmed the original spiritual teachings of the sweat lodge ceremony of the Ojibwa Indian people.
Sweat Lodge Sponsored By All Those Present
During the sacred pipe ceremony of men, women, and children of diverse backgrounds, Spiritual Beings replied with beautiful sounds of thundering overhead just above the Sweat Lodge. This lifetime experience will always be remembered by those present. These Thunder Beings confirm the original spiritual teachings of the Sweat Lodge ceremony of the Ojibwa Indian people.
Sweat Lodge sponsored by all those present
Loud Thunder International, Inc
Alcohol—drug free organization
In 1899, Chief Rocky Boy later made his way to Montana and campaigned to start the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation for their band of now displaced people. In January 1902, he wrote a letter to President Theodore Roosevelt asking for land to be given to his people, but Chief Rocky Boy died in April 1916, before the Presidential approval of Rocky Boy Reservation in September 1916. After the Chief’s death, the Ojibwa band of Indians were forced out of the area by others, that was to become the Rocky Boy Reservation in northcentral Montana.
January 14th, 1902
His Excellency Theodore Roosevelt
President of the United States
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir — I am the chief of a band of Chippewa Indians that for years have been wandering through different parts of the United States without home or reservation. We now feel that if possible to secure it, we would like some home or reservation on which to live and have the privilege of sending our children to school.
I am known as an honest Indian and have credentials to show that my people have always been self supporting.
Can you arrange to send me the necessary transportation for myself and an interpreter from the point to Washington, D.C. and give me a hearing when I arrive there. I believe the request of my people is a just one and if given the opportunity to present the matter to your Excellency, you will agree with me and we will feel that you will use your influence toward the betterment of our conditions.
My entire tribe is composed of about 130 souls men, women and children, all of whom are self supporting.
If given the opportunity we believe that we can improve our present conditions.
Rocky Boy His (X) Mark
Anaconda, Montana
Rocky boy first came to the attention of federal officials and at the highest level through a typed letter, signed Rocky Boy with his x mark.
Compliments of direct Ojibwe descendants of Chief Rocky Boy (Rock Being) — June 1992.
Loud Thunder International, Inc. is the organization responsible for this presentation, and this Native American Indian organization was organized based upon Ojibwa traditional original teachings. The elders said I am merely Little Brother to all things. The teachings said I have the beautiful mother who is female Angel, who travels endless journeys in the cold universe forever, whose warm body temperature keeps me warm and provides life, water, food, clothing, and shelter. The beautiful "Mother Planet" is a sacred living Spiritual Mother to us. Our life with her is our natural religion.
Our Mother Planet goes into the dormant to renew her source of energy to give life to all living things. We're all like her; we sleep to regain our strength and energy.
The three young Ojibwa women who organized Loud Thunder International are all under thirty. They feel the Indians should have had an organization 100 years ago. These young women were brought up in the middle of the city of Great Falls, Montana, with white girls and boys, and it is unexplainable why they became traditional in the middle of the city. We need our traditions. We need our traditions for guidance.
Back to Loud Thunder International, Inc. It is based upon the teachings of the Ojibwa tribe. You see I come from a family that spans back thousands of years. They were conscientious objectors. They didn't believe in fighting or hurting anybody, not to mention murder. Anyway, I was brought up by my mother; I've seen part of being an orphan. My father died at an early age; I don't even know how it is to have a father.
Why I think I am here today to be here with you is to be a servant to your children. Being executive producer of "Indian Tears of Love," I can say this will not be the last film that we will produce. I so believe that technology can be utilized as a communication, to communicate with each other. We must dialogue. We must understand each other. I think we have a history which is regretful; you don't want to look back at it, but that's not where we are going. Where we are going is our destiny, is tomorrow.
Almost to 300 years after the invasion of the United States and the terrorization of its native people, George Washington returned to these same people with a plea to help him with the most important battle of his career. Had they not chosen to help, the entire course of history would have changed. They were rewarded with a medallion, a certificate, a 13-star Presidential Flag, and promises of money, land, and hunting privileges.
Loud Thunder, Frenchman, and Frank Bird Linderman, ca. 1933. Frank Byrd Linderman's assistance was crucial to the establishment of Rocky Boy's reservation. The esteem in which he was held is evident in this photograph, the first in which a white man was permitted to be photographed with this flag, a valued heirloom of the Chippewas dating from the Post revolutionary War Period. This American Army flag was originally presented to Loud Thunder's ancestor a Chippewa Chief of Red Lake, Minnesota by a soldier chief following four days of talks. Photo courtesy of Frank Byrd Linderman files, University of Montana Archives.
The Ahon-to-ways band of Ojibwe Indians, led by their advisor, Robert Gopher, are seeking recognition by the United States government.
At a ceremony Saturday on Hill 57, the historic home of some of the band, Gopher and his family displayed a flag given to the Ojibwe centuries ago. Hill 57, which lies just north of Great Falls, is home to a cluster of Native Americans, many of them impoverished.
Displaying the flag is the landless band's first step toward gaining recognition by the United States government. The flag is physical proof that the Ojibways are a historic tribe, Gopher said. He said the band includes 800 to 1,000 people.
"We are asking for recognition... for a land base where we can proudly display the first flag of the United States," he said.
According to Ojibway tradition, tribal ancestors at one time agreed to a treaty with a "great soldier chief" in Red Lake, Minnesota. The Ojibway chief was a Ahon-to-ways, Gopher's great-great-grandfather. As part of the treaty ceremony, Ahon-to-ways was given a flag with 13 stripes, 13 stars, and a federal eagle.
According to oral traditions, by presenting the flag at any US fort, the Ojibways would be given ammunition and guns for hunting purposes.
For several generations, no whites were permitted to see the flag, until it was shown to Montana author Frank Bird Linderman at a Sun Dance on the Rocky Boy's Reservation in 1933. Linderman believed the flag was presented to Ahon-to-ways prior to 1799.
The flag was passed down through the generations to Jim Gopher, known as Loud Thunder, who was Robert Gopher's father. In 1957, Gopher's mother said to him, "Take care of this flag."
"I didn't know what she was talking about," Gopher said, "but I respected her wishes."
Now, Gopher and several other Ojibways will use the flag to try to regain recognition, and the rights that go with it, from the United States government.
Joe's happy expression after winning a stay, or halt, to the planned expansion of the Landusky Mines by the Interior Board of Land Appeals.
Connie Azure (Joe’s daughter) is looking in while David Healy Sr. is starting a buffalo ceremony in Big Warm, MT.
As part of the Buffalo Ceremony, David Healy Sr. is teaching Robert’s granddaughter and her husband how to rewrap the buffalo skulls. This was at the Red Thunder Oral History Conference in Big Warm, MT.
Pictured [from left to right]: Warren Matte, Joe W. Azure and granddaughter Janice Hall, Mike Gopher (Robert's son), Mike Gopher (Robert’s nephew), and Ali Zaid. At the Red Thunder Oral History Conference in July of 2016 in Big Warm, MT.
Pictured [left to right]: Kelly Ratcliffe, Dorothy Gopher, Shanti Zaid, Dan Chaffinn, Mike Gopher. Photo taken in Boulder, CO late 1990s (Photo by Ali Zaid).
In a vision received by Robert Gopher, "Listening Thunder" in time of illness, he related to his grandchildren and children present: "Guided by a spiritual being, I visited the Spirit World of Souls where my family were all standing and waiting for me as I approached. My father stood in front and center of all of them, they were excited and overjoyed to see me, my Mother and Sisters were crying with joy to see me. My relations were reaching out their hands to greet me.
"I approached them and stood face-to-face with them, at our feet was a line separating them and me. These souls, my relations, we're told by the spiritual being that I could not cross the line and they could not cross the line, not to touch me or even to shake my hand. The feeling I had was the intense love my family possessed for me. This is such a good place, the goodness of the Spirit World is unimaginable. It is as if you do not want to leave."
"Here on Earth, a human is confronted with tremendous evils and moral ugliness that are human created. The devastation of alcohol and drugs create sorrow and lack of compassion. We suffer from lack of worship and belief in the Creator. Understanding was given to me of how a human must prepare for their departure to the Spirit World. This preparation begins when one is a child and continues on everyday for a lifetime. To be a good human for a lifetime is most essential preparation."
When a lifetime has transpired in this manner, it cannot be undone. Your path to the Spirit World is easy. Prayers are reserved for your loved ones, the earthly survivors. At the point of departure, prayers are not needed if you have prepared accordingly. Prayers will do a person no good if they have not lived to prepare for their departure by doing good deeds in their earthly life. It is important to live your life in the best way possible because the Spirit World is where you remain forever.
I told my relations that I had to return to my earthly life and I had things to do, I have to go. They began to cry as I left them.
The Robert Gopher Family
Traditional Ojibwa Ceremonial Wake
4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 1998 - 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 1998
Family Living Center
Origin of the traditional wake: In the days of Ojibwa ancients, a four day wake was held for the departed because at times, the deceased would come back to life. The four-day waiting period was intended to prevent family members from burying the deceased prematurely. It is said after four nights, the family knew for sure the departed had journeyed to the Spirit World. The tradition of the wake remains.
November 17, 1929 - October 30, 1998