Silver Little Eagle Medical and Legal Fund

*** Due to the sensitive nature of this crime, and an ongoing investigation, we cannot release any further information at this time.  ***

Public Statement from Northern Cheyenne Tribal Councilwoman Silver Little Eagle and Family

 On Sunday May 16, 2021, Northern Cheyenne Tribal Councilwoman Silver Little Eagle was brutally attacked in Billings, Montana and left for dead. She suffered severe physical injuries, as well as the theft of her vehicle and personal belongings. Since the incident, Councilwoman Little Eagle has experienced further threats of violence, cyber bullying, defamation of character, and harassment by the assailants and people in her own community.
 
Had Councilwoman Little Eagle not been found by a family member, it is very likely she would have died from this violent attack. That speaks to the severity of her injuries. We are calling for justice and that the perpetrators are prosecuted for this crime. This incident is another painful reminder that Montana has the highest number of cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in the country! We are thankful that Councilwoman Little Eagle did not become another statistic. We also recognize that behind these statistics are real women-- sisters, daughters, mothers, and tribal leaders! Native women continue to face ongoing violence, and this must stop! Justice must be served!

As Cheyenne People, we are taught to take care of one another and practice kindness and love because we are all related. Those who continue to bring slanderous gossip and lies against Councilwoman Little Eagle must realize this violent crime could have happened to your daughter, sister, or granddaughter. None of the slanderous allegations against Councilwoman Little Eagle have any factual merit. The fact remains that this was a brutal unprovoked attack spurred by jealousy and hate. Further, an elected leader of the Northern Cheyenne Nation nearly died as a result.

We want to acknowledge and thank all those who have shown their support during this difficult time. We ask that you continue to pray for the physical and spiritual healing of Councilwoman Little Eagle. We also ask that you continue to advocate for justice so that these violent attackers will be arrested and prosecuted.

We conclude this statement with one of our most powerful Cheyenne proverbs:

"A nation is not defeated until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is finished, no matter how brave its warriors or how strong their weapons."

Cheyenne women must be protected and respected. #justiceforsilver