Raymond Whitetail Feather

Raymond Skinsa Whitetailfeather went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 19, 2025. He is survived by his sister Shirley Moran, his two children Mary Ann Whitetailfeather and Walter Whitetailfeather, and his grandson Aries Whitetailfeather. He was born in what the Tribes called “Little Chicago” in 1930. This was down the hill along the Poplar River when the only major road was BIA Route 1 south of the railroad tracks.

Dad attended eleven years at the Poplar High School and his senior year at Stewart Indian School, Carson City, Nevada. He had clerical training at the Haskell Institute in Lawrence, KS. In 1949 he joined the U.S. Army and served for 3 years in Korea. He returned to the Reservation after his honorable discharge from service and met the love of his life Ruby Jean (Wilson) Whitetailfeather. They were married in 1953. Soon after they participated in the US Government’s Indian Relocation Program and moved to San Jose, California. He and Mom went to the San Jose City College. Dad studied English, Psychology, and History.

During his time in California, Dad helped organize two Indian Organizations: the United American Indians of Santa Clara Valley and the Bay Area Indian Activities, Inc, and served as Chairman of the board of both organizations. He was also a commissioner on the Economic Opportunity Commission, (California State) During that time Dad wrote this for his interview with the Board of Directors of the United American Indians: “I have no selfish aims of personal glory or monetary gain, but I do have a sincere desire to see a constructive program developed for the Indian people here in Santa Clara Valley (present day San Jose). A program that will influence the American Indian to become self-sufficient as an individual and as a people. I believe it is high time that we as Indian people began to assert ourselves, that we begin to organize ourselves so that the younger generation to follow will be inspired and carry on what we establish. I know I can do this without rioting and protesting. We can do this by organizing and developing our own program, by cooperating with one another and not allowing personal differences to detract us.” He also said, “One important essential that I have sought for in both these groups is total Indian involvement. I believe that in order for an organization to be successful it must have total involvement and participation on the part of the members. An organization that is headed that is headed by one person or a few persons can never achieve organization. Therefore, this shall always be my foremost aim; total involvement and participation.”

In late 1970, Dad moved the family back to Poplar. He and mom started Sipto Mazopiye (Bead Store) that is now the Dakota Trading Post. Dad ran for the Tribal Executive Board and was elected in 1971. He served a total of 25 years on the Tribal Executive Board and was Chairman from 1987 to 1989.

Dad rededicated his life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in 1975. He began as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church in Poplar and was instrumental in helping to relocate the church to its present location in Poplar where it is commonly referred to as the “Blue Church.” He and mom felt the Lord calling them to start a fellowship in Wolf Point, Montana. Through prayer and the Lord’s blessings, the Wolf Point Indian Church, (which became the Morning Star Baptist Church and has been renamed God’s Grace Community Church) was started. Dad preached at the Morning Star Baptist Church until his retirement in March 2023.

Dad enjoyed a good dessert and a dark cup of coffee. He studied the Dakota language and helped anyone who wanted to learn. Dad liked to watch sports on TV and western movies.

During his last hours he prayed for his people, his family and forgiveness. “Lord, goodbye to my people. Thank you for the many times you brought me through. I lived like the world and am embarrassed about that. Forgive me for all the people I hurt. Forgive me for what I did. All unrighteousness. Lord, I know this life is short. Help me. Bless this whole land and bless everyone Lord. Pray that this land will also bless you. This place here you have made a way for life, for many to find you Lord. Many have come to serve you. Many love you with all their hearts and have given their lives to you. There are those who are standing here who know you as Lord and Savior. My prayer is this, forgive them all of their sins. Thank you for my family and all my relatives and the Pastors you have sent. I will be glad to see you when I come before your presence. I pray that I will please you and you will treasure me. I love you, Lord Jesus. Bless this whole land. We are in turmoil. My prayer is for this whole area. For people to understand that Jesus is Lord and Savior. We were given this land. Lord have mercy and my prayer is that everyone will come together in Christ, pray for one another and serve Christ together. All this in Jesus’ name, Amen.”